By Ben Kerrigan-
MP Lee Anderson has hinted at the possibility of defecting to Reform UK, potentially becoming the party’s first MP. Anderson’s remarks come amid his suspension from the Tory party and mounting controversy over his comments about London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Anderson, a former deputy chair of the Conservative party, revealed his openness to joining Reform UK during an interview with GB News, stating that he has been on a “political journey.” When pressed further about his potential affiliation with Reform UK, Anderson remained tight-lipped, neither ruling out nor confirming his intentions.
The embattled MP, suspended from the Tory party whip for his remarks about Khan, defiantly asserted that he would still stand as a candidate in the next election, though he acknowledged that his party affiliation was not within his control.
Anderson’s suspension from the Conservative party followed his refusal to apologize for controversial comments about Islamists and Khan, which he made during an appearance on GB News. Despite calls from senior Conservative figures, including Home Secretary James Cleverly, for Anderson to apologize, the MP stood firm, maintaining that his remarks were not racist or Islamophobic.
While Anderson’s potential defection to Reform UK may mark a significant development for the party, not all senior figures within Reform UK are enthusiastic about his possible membership.
Deputy leader Ben Habib emphasized the importance of ideological alignment for prospective Tory defectors, suggesting that Anderson would need to justify his intentions to join the party.
The unfolding saga surrounding Anderson’s comments has sparked divisions within the Conservative party and drawn criticism from various quarters. While some, including fellow MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, have questioned the severity of Anderson’s suspension, others have expressed concerns about the impact of his remarks on social cohesion.