Danny Kruger, the former Conservative MP for East Wiltshire, has officially defected to Reform UK, prompting calls for a by-election to reaffirm the will of the local electorate.
Kruger’s move struck a chord with local Conservatives, especially after his statement declaring the Conservative Party was “over.” Richard Clewer, leader of the Conservative group on Wiltshire Council, expressed his disappointment to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, saying, “Danny was elected as a Conservative just over a year ago, and voters chose him under that banner. There was no indication during the recent campaign that he intended to switch parties.”
Clewer also noted the apparent contradictions in Kruger’s shift: “Nationally, the Conservative Party has been moving to the right, which you might think would align with his views. Yet Reform UK’s latest budget proposals reveal an £80 billion deficit—larger than that proposed by Rachel Reeves. Given this, if Danny believes the people of East Wiltshire prefer a Reform MP, he should resign to offer constituents a chance to decide in a by-election.”
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Brian Burchfield, chairman of the Melksham and Devizes Conservative Association—where Kruger was once selected as the prospective parliamentary candidate—also voiced frustration. “We are deeply disappointed that Danny Kruger has joined Reform UK, a party that seems more focused on private interests than public service, advocating for increased welfare spending and higher taxes,” Burchfield said. “If polling truly supports his decision, he should step down and let voters have their say in a by-election. Constituents deserve to choose their MP based on the party they originally elected, not one they switch to mid-term.”
In stark contrast, Reform UK councillors on Wiltshire Council expressed enthusiasm over Kruger’s arrival. Reform UK group leader Ed Rimmer said, “We warmly welcome Danny Kruger MBE MP to our ranks. As he stated this morning, the Conservative Party has ended as a national force and is no longer the primary opposition to the left. Danny brings invaluable experience as we prepare for future governance, heading our new Department for Preparing for Government. It’s fantastic news that Wiltshire now has a Reform UK MP, and we look forward to working closely with him.”
Meanwhile, Ian Thorn, Liberal Democrat leader of Wiltshire Council, remarked, “This development is not surprising, but it leaves many Conservative voters in East Wiltshire confused and feeling let down by the sudden change.”
The political ramifications of Kruger’s defection continue to unfold as local parties reckon with the shifting allegiances and call for electoral clarity through a by-election.