David Jones, a former Conservative cabinet minister, has announced his membership in Reform UK.
Jones, who represented Clwyd West as an MP from 2005 until stepping down in 2024, stated he left the Tories after "more than 50 years of continuous involvement."
"This was, understandably, a difficult decision," he said. "In October, I wrote to the party chairman out of courtesy to explain I would not renew my membership. I received no response."
"I joined the Conservatives decades ago because I believed it aligned with my principles. Sadly, that is no longer true. Reform UK now stands as the party that best matches my views—and, I think, those of many others dissatisfied with the two main parties."
Noting worries over rising living costs, unauthorized immigration, and "the gradual weakening of national sovereignty," Jones said Reform UK was the sole party "showing the resolve required to address the nation's challenges and improve lives across the country."
He clarified that he does not plan to run for office and has joined "simply as an individual."
Jones previously held a ministerial role in the Department for Exiting the EU from 2016 to 2017 under Theresa May. He also served under David Cameron from 2012 to 2014.
Read next
Labour faces key challenge as voting begins in England, Scotland and Wales
Polling has opened across England, Scotland and Wales in a series of local, mayoral and parliamentary contests – the biggest electoral test Keir Starmer and the Labour government have faced since the 2024 general election.
As millions of people across Great Britain go to the polls on Thursday, party leaders are
Andy Burnham's Green Party Appearance Fuels Labour Backlash
Andy Burnham’s choice to join a progressive rally featuring leading Green and Liberal Democrat figures has provoked criticism from certain Labour MPs, who claim he is weakening their local election message.
The Greater Manchester mayor, regarded as one of the leading contenders to challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour
Scottish mother stranded abroad after newborn breaches UK dual citizenship rules
A British woman from Aberdeen has been stranded abroad after her 11‑month‑old baby was prevented from boarding a flight because of new rules regarding dual nationals.
Sarah Schloegl was refused board on a Ryanair flight from Alicante last week after she went to Spain for a short break