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Lee Anderson recently became a member of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, and he launched a passionate criticism against the Conservative Party. This came after he was suspended from the Tories for making Islamophobic comments directed towards London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan.
The ex-Tory vice chairperson expressed that he had undertaken significant self-reflection, ultimately choosing to align with Reform in an effort to reclaim “my country.” This decision marks him as the first member of parliament for the right-wing populist party.
Mr Anderson, who represents Ashfield in Nottinghamshire, confirmed the news as he accused the Conservative Party of stifling “free speech”, adding that he found it “unpalatable” that he had been disciplined for “speaking my mind”.
The announcement of the defection took place at a disorganized event in Westminster led by Reform party leader Richard Tice, which was promoted as a significant moment for the party.
Mr Tice, who said he expected “more [defections] to follow”, welcomed Mr Anderson as a “champion” of the Red Wall who “is trusted by voters to tell it as it is”. As recently as January, Mr Anderson branded Mr Tice a “poundshop Nigel Farage” and said Reform was “not a proper political party”.
When questioned about any shifts or developments, the Member of Parliament, who is additionally a host on GB News, replied, “There hasn’t been a pivotal moment. It’s a known fact that at times, politicians can be just as unreliable as journalists when it comes to their words and actions.”
Lee Anderson has joined Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in a blow for the Conservatives (Victoria Jones/PA)
During a speech, Mr. Anderson shared that his parents, who reside in his constituency, informed him that they would be unable to support him in the upcoming election if he did not switch to the Reform party.
He stated: “My only desire is to reclaim my country. While this may come across as offensive to those in the liberal elite, it is not offensive to my loved ones, constituents, and even my parents who have made it clear they will only support me if I join Reform UK.”
“My parents, who are both almost 80 years old, understand and I cannot disappoint them.”
He stated that there have been various pivotal moments in the past few months on his gradual journey. When he was suspended for expressing his opinions which were also shared by many others in the country, he found it unacceptable and shocking.
Mr Anderson now becomes an MP for Reform – which was formerly known as the Brexit Party and set up by Mr Farage when he left Ukip – and will stand for the party at the next election. Projections based on current polling show Mr Anderson is on course to lose the seat to Labour’s candidate Rhea Keehn by a significant margin.
When asked if he would continue serving as an MP following the election, Mr Anderson responded by saying, “Based on the messages I receive, I am confident that I will win.”
Renouncing his affiliation will increase the burden on Rishi Sunak, as the Conservative Party is in danger of forfeiting numerous seats in the upcoming election if the anti-establishment populist group divides the support of the conservative voters.
Rishi Sunak is facing a growing problem as the Reform UK party continues to gain support over the Conservative party in opinion polls.
Mr Anderson is also hugely popular with the Tory grassroots and was given a standing ovation at a Conservative fundraiser even after his suspension.
Last month, the Conservative Party suspended him for stating that “Islamists” have taken control of Mr Khan and London. Mr Sunak and several ministers consistently avoided labeling his comments as racist, but he was suspended for refusing to apologize for them.
During an interview on GB News, Mr. Anderson expressed his belief that the country is not under the control of Islamists, but rather that they have influence over Khan and London. He asserted that the mayor has essentially given the city over to his allies.
Sir Keir Starmer expressed his approval of Mr Anderson’s suspension from the party for making an “appalling racist and Islamophobic outburst”.
Immediately after he was suspended, there was speculation that Mr. Anderson would join the Reform party.
A rendezvous between Mr Anderson and Mr Tice at a hotel near the M1 highway increased speculations that he would switch to the party. He had previously stated that he was offered a generous sum to join Mr Farage’s party.
At the moment, Reform is receiving approximately 12% of the vote while the Conservatives have 24%. Polling experts have cautioned that this could lead to the Conservatives losing a significant number of seats due to vote splitting, even if Reform does not win any seats in Westminster.
Last month, Mr Anderson, seen on the right side with Mr Sunak on the left, was stripped of his Tory membership for alleging that ‘Islamists’ were in control of London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan.
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In the recent by-elections in February, Reform achieved high levels of voter support which Mr. Tice deemed as a landmark moment, establishing the party as a noteworthy player in British politics.
Mr. Tice and Mr. Anderson have eliminated the possibility of a by-election following the defection, stating that a general election would take place “in a matter of weeks or months.” However, in 2020, Mr. Anderson supported a bill that would have implemented a recall petition procedure for MPs who switch parties voluntarily.
On Monday, Sir Keir stated that the decision on whether to hold a by-election ultimately lies with Mr Anderson. He also expressed that citizens all over the nation are tired of the current situation and suggested that Mr Sunak consider a general election.
The leader of the Labour party stated to Sky News: “Lee Anderson is not the only issue here. It reflects 14 years of unsuccessful leadership. I believe there is a strong feeling among many that we are in dire need of change and must move forward from this.”
The Conservative party has not succeeded. They have recognized the changes in the Labour Party and our proposed strategy to better the country. Many are now calling for a general election instead of focusing on Lee Anderson.
Labour Party’s national campaign coordinator, Pat McFadden, criticized Mr. Sunak’s leadership abilities, stating that he is not strong enough to head the “radical” Conservative party. He also questioned Sunak’s judgement in promoting Lee Anderson in the first place.
Former Conservative colleague James Cleverly, who is now the Home Secretary, stated that his former colleague had made a significant error.
Richard Tice, the leader of Reform UK, declared the shift in a media briefing (Joe Giddens/PA).
He stated that reform is not the solution and reiterated that voting for reform would lead to a Labour government.
Around 25 right-wing Tory MPs, known as the New Conservatives, strongly opposed Mr Anderson’s defection and placed the blame on the Conservative Party.
“We were unable to unite the group of voters who granted us a majority of 80 seats in the 2019 election,” stated co-founders Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger.
The pressure group stated that the Tories can no longer claim that their plan is successful. According to our poll results, the public does not view our actions since 2019 positively. The New Conservatives emphasized the need for an immediate change in direction.
However, experienced Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood claimed that Mr Anderson was adopting “Trumpism and populism”. Ellwood stated on TalkTV that his former colleague failed to provide any solutions and instead exacerbated people’s fears by criticizing the establishment and not offering alternative ideas.
The Liberal Democrats stated that Mr Sunak’s power was weakened after the man he chose as deputy Tory chairman defected to a different party.
Mr. Anderson has changed his political affiliation for the third time in the span of six years. Before this, he had been a loyal member of the Labour party for a significant amount of time, and had even held a position as a local council member. However, in 2018, he switched to the Tories.
Ms Keehn, the Ashfield candidate for Labour, stated that the constituents “deserve better than what they have now” and urged for a new beginning with a Labour government and representative. She also expressed frustration with politicians using political tactics for their own benefit and claimed that Rishi has lost control of his party.
A representative from the Tory party stated: “Lee himself acknowledged the necessity for the Chief Whip to suspend the whip given the circumstances.”
We are disappointed in his choice. Supporting Reform will only result in a Labour government under the leadership of Keir Starmer.
Source: independent.co.uk
