Former Conservative MP and Nottinghamshire County Council leader Ben Bradley defects to Reform UK and is appointed head of local government action, signaling a new phase for the party’s local governance push.

Bradley previously ran for the East Midlands mayor in 2024, finishing second to Labour’s Claire Ward, highlighting his ongoing pursuit of devolved powers for transport and regional growth.

Under Bradley’s leadership, Nottinghamshire Conservatives focused on residents’ needs while vowing to hold Reform UK to account for alleged broken promises and potential tax or service cuts as the party evolves.

Observers argue traditional parties have failed on crime, immigration, and helping working people, contributing to eroding trust in both Conservatives and Labour.

Labour and others suggest the party chaos could be capitalized on by Starmer’s team if migration and Channel issues persist, while Conservatives seek a new generation of candidates who can appeal to prosperity-focused communities.

Bradley’s defect is seen as part of a broader shift of Tory MPs to Reform UK, with critics in Labour portraying it as a Conservative rebranding rather than a genuine break.

Bradley argues Reform is reforming from the Conservative approach and promises tangible benefits to communities, distancing from past Tory failures.

Bradley’s move is framed as a signal of crisis for the Tory brand among patriotic working class and blue-collar voters, joining a string of defections including several named MPs.

Bradley accuses both current and previous governments of eroding community trust and pledges that Reform will deliver real changes, highlighting a broader political shift toward Reform.

He emphasizes continued public distrust in government and commits to ensuring voters feel the benefits of Reform’s policies.

Bradley argues that local communities have been let down by multiple governments and urges voters to seek change at the ballot box.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage rejects turning the party into Conservative Party 2.0, defending defections as bringing in experienced voices, including Danny Kruger.