Lee Anderson, ex-Conservative deputy chairman, has joined Nigel Farage's Reform UK after a suspension for Islamophobic remarks.

Anderson's defection, marking Reform UK's first MP, has sparked concerns among Tories about potential further defections, particularly from the 'red wall' area.

Reform UK, now third in some polls, advocates for stricter immigration, reduced taxes, NHS wait time reductions, and reforms to the BBC and House of Lords.

The party has recently won 6 seats in local elections and intends to contest every UK seat in the upcoming general election.

Conservatives have expressed disappointment over Anderson's defection and caution that splitting the vote could enable a Labour government under Keir Starmer.