Newscast Are The Conservatives 'Over'?
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Sep 15, 2025 Jane Corbin, a Panorama presenter and expert in American politics, joins the discussion following Conservative MP Danny Kruger's recent defection to the Reform Party. They explore the shifting political landscape in the UK and whether the Conservatives are losing their grip. Jane also delves into Donald Trump’s impending state visit, analyzing its implications for the US-UK special relationship and how it might benefit Labour's Keir Starmer. The conversation highlights the historical context and the evolving dynamics of political alliances.
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High-Profile Defection In Mayfair
- Danny Kruger publicly defected from the Conservatives to Reform at a Mayfair press conference.
- He said he would not trigger a by-election and framed Reform as the new home for conservatism.
Defections Build Credibility And Create Tensions
- Reform attracts former Conservatives which helps their credibility but also risks diluting their insurgent brand.
- Defections give Reform institutional knowledge they otherwise lack but raise questions about their ideological consistency.
Experience Trumps Ministerial Rank
- Danny Kruger brings Downing Street experience rather than ministerial CV to Reform.
- Reform sees his Number 10 background as valuable for preparing to govern despite his lack of ministerial office.
