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
Badenoch returns to Conservative conference, markedly stronger than a year ago
A year ago, Tory MPs feared a fresh leadership revolt against Kemi Badenoch as Tories hit historic 14-16% support; November, after 12 months, was hushed: decisive challenge month. Yet, despite poor polls, “Keminisation” saw her impose style and authority.
More in Common’s Luke Tryl, director, said Badenoch holds
UK sanctions plan on illegal Israeli settlements faces criticism from US, Israel and British MPs
Today, with the agreement of Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israeli officials announced a series of countermeasures in response to new sanctions declared by the British foreign secretary of the Labour government, following a sequence of anti-Israel decisions by the same administration.
The accusations leveled today by the Labour foreign secretary,
UK announces trade ban on Israeli settlements as tougher stance
Ed Miliband will announce a broad reset of the UK’s relations with Israel on Tuesday, pledging a more active stance in support of the Palestinian cause. In an intervention drawing fierce criticism from the US and Israel, the foreign secretary will impose a ban on trade in goods and