Who is Danny Kruger? Tory MP Defects to Reform UK

Conservative MP Danny Kruger, representing East Wiltshire, has made political history by becoming the first sitting Conservative MP to defect directly to Reform UK.

Kruger announced his decision in a press conference alongside Reform leader Nigel Farage, declaring that the Conservative Party is “over” and no longer capable of being the main opposition to the left.

Danny Kruger’s Political Career

Danny Kruger entered Parliament in 2019 as the MP for East Wiltshire. Over the years, he rose in prominence within the Conservative Party, serving as:

• Political secretary to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

• Speechwriter for former Conservative PM David Cameron.

• Shadow Work and Pensions Minister under current Tory leader Kemi Badenoch.

Despite his senior roles, Kruger became increasingly vocal about his dissatisfaction with Conservative leadership and direction.

Why Danny Kruger Left the Conservative Party

Kruger explained that after two decades of loyalty, leaving the Conservative Party was “personally painful,” but necessary.

He accused the Tories of:

• Expanding the size of government.

• Presiding over social decline.

• Delivering lower wages and higher taxes.

• Failing to meet the demands of ordinary people.

In his words, the Conservative Party had become a “toxic brand” that offered “sham unity” without bold or difficult decisions.

He added: “This is my tragic conclusion. The Conservative Party is over, over as a national party, over as the principal opposition to the left.”

Kruger’s Role in Reform UK

At the Reform UK press conference, Kruger said he was “honoured” to be asked to help prepare the party for government, making it clear that he hopes to see Nigel Farage as the next Prime Minister of Britain.

This makes Kruger the second sitting MP to formally join Reform, following Lee Anderson, who defected in 2024 after leaving the Tories.

Past Controversies and Views

Danny Kruger has often attracted attention – and criticism – for his outspoken conservative views:

• In 2022, during a debate in Parliament, he argued against women having an “absolute right to bodily autonomy” regarding abortion, sparking strong backlash.

• In 2023, at a National Conservatism Conference, he declared that marriage between men and women was the “only possible basis for a safe and successful society.” Then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak distanced himself from Kruger’s remarks.

What This Means for UK Politics

Kruger’s defection signals a deepening crisis for the Conservatives under Kemi Badenoch. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has been steadily gaining ground, appealing to voters disillusioned with both Labour and the Tories.

Kruger’s move may embolden other right-wing Conservative MPs to jump ship, potentially reshaping Britain’s political landscape ahead of the next general election.