Revealed: The 13 Tories Farage is secretly targeting next

Nigel Farage is tightening the screws on Kemi Badenoch after three more Conservative figures defected to Reform UK – as insiders warn the flood may not be over.

Farage, who has now welcomed 18 senior Tory names into Reform ranks, has flatly ruled out any merger with the Conservatives, instead announcing plans for a “reverse takeover” of the centre-right.

“No deals – just a reverse takeover,” Farage declared.
“I would never do a deal with a party I don’t trust.”

Despite this, Badenoch insists she is not worried. But a Reform insider says the quiet part out loud:

“Death by a thousand defections continues.”

🔵 Farage Rejects Merger – Pushes for Total Takeover

Farage made clear that a partnership with Badenoch’s Conservatives would “cost votes,” arguing the public no longer trusts his former party. Reform UK insiders believe even more disgruntled Conservatives will cross the floor in coming months – but stress the party is being selective.

“Reform will never be a dumping ground for any old Tories – only the best and the brightest,” the source said.

A false story in the FT tonight claims Reform would do a deal with the Tories.

After 14 years of dishonesty & lies they should never be forgiven. The idea I’d work with them is ludicrous.

They betrayed my trust in 2019 & we will ensure they cease to be a national party in May.
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) December 2, 2025

🔵 Badenoch Brushes Off Fears – But Defections Mount

Speaking to GB News, the Tory leader dismissed the idea of more MPs jumping ship.

“There are always people who jump from ship to ship,” she said.
“But I don’t think so.”

Her confidence contrasts sharply with growing unrest inside the Conservative ranks – and Farage’s ongoing recruitment drive.

🔵 The 13 Conservative Figures on “Defection Watch”

Below are the top figures Westminster believes could be next to join Reform UK.

🔸 1. Suella Braverman (Fareham & Waterlooville)

Age: 45
2024 Result: Won by 6,079 (Reform polled 9,084)

Her husband openly supports Reform, and Braverman has called Farage “courageous”. Westminster has been expecting this defection for months.

🔸 2. Andrew Rosindell (Romford)

Age: 59
2024 Result: Won by 1,463 (Reform polled 9,624)

Seen at a Reform celebration party. Says the Conservatives and Reform “need to come together.”

🔸 3. Sir John Hayes (South Holland & The Deepings)

Age: 67
2024 Result: Won by 6,856 (Reform polled 10,606)

Views strongly overlap with Reform – but insists he’ll remain a Conservative “because the public elected me as one.”

🔸 4. Lord Frost (House of Lords)

A long-time advocate for cooperation with Farage. Has said Reform is a “natural part of the conservative movement.”

🔸 5. Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin)

Age: 59
2024 Result: Won by 883 (Reform polled 9,920)

Once considered joining UKIP. Has had “years” of private chats with Farage.

🔸 6. Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg

Age: 56
Lost his seat – daughter already joined Reform. Attended the Reform conference, skipped the Tory one.

🔸 7. Brendan Clarke-Smith

Said: “There’s more chance of me joining Westlife than Reform UK.”

But political winds shift quickly.

🔸 8. Tom Hunt

Said he shares many views with Farage and Tice – but remained Tory during election period.

🔸 9. Nick Fletcher

Openly says the Conservatives will have to work with Reform eventually.

🔸 10. Robin Millar

Criticises Tories for not moving rightward. Says Reform “saw an opportunity and took it.”

🔸 11. Jane Stevenson

Praised Badenoch but refused to rule out Reform alignment.

🔸 12. Damien Moore

Blamed Sunak, not Farage, for Tory collapse.

🔸 13. Miriam Cates

Ruled out joining Reform – but her ideological alignment remains close.