Reform UK’s chairman has revealed he has turned down multiple MPs seeking to defect to the party as he issued a stark « last chance » warning to politicians in Westminster. Dr David Bull, speaking exclusively to the Daily Expresso Podcast hosted by JJ Anisiobi, confirmed the party has rejected sitting parliamentarians from across all parties who are « not the right fit ».
The defection revelation comes as Reform set a May 7 deadline for MPs wanting to join Nigel Farage‘s insurgent party. Dr Bull said: « I’ve actually turned down sitting members of Parliament, because they are not the right fit. »
He confirmed he had rejected « quite a few » from across the political spectrum, insisting Reform would « not need to compromise » on its values to attract defectors. The party chairman issued a blunt ultimatum to wavering MPs, saying: « You have until May 7, you’re either with us or you’re not. »
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Dr Bull warned: « What we cannot afford to do is to be a retirement home for failed MPs. » He added: « We will take people who subscribe to our values, and only people who subscribe to our values. »
The comments come after a string of Tory MPs made the jump to Reform, including Nadhim Zahawi, Andrew Rosindell and Robert Jenrick last week. Dr Bull insisted Jenrick was « 100% in tune with what we are doing », defending the former Tory shadow Justice Secretary’s defection.
But when pressed by host JJ Anisiobi about whether former Labour MP Kate Hoey was being considered for defection, Dr Bull remained tight-lipped. He said: « I’m not telling you. »
When pushed further, he added: « Sure, I’m just being very careful here. » The Reform UK chairman painted a damning picture of Westminster politics, claiming: « People are quite rude about Reform » in the corridors of power.
He described Reform supporters as « people who are sick and tired of the direction of this country ». Taking aim at Labour, he said the Government had « attacked everyone ».
Bull reveals he’s rejected ‘quite a few’ MPs (Image: Getty)
Dr Bull launched a scathing tirade at the Conservative Party, claiming it was fundamentally broken. He said: « The Conservative Party is not one party, it is five or six different parties […] you’ve got the woolly liberals, you’ve got the people who may be more right of centre. »
He added it was « like holding a blancmange », saying that the Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch, is struggling to hold them together. These latest comments will make grim reading for both Kemi Badenoch and Sir Keir Starmer, who are haemorrhaging support to Reform UK in the polls.
The Reform boss struck an apocalyptic tone about Britain’s future, warning: « I feel this is the last chance saloon for the United Kingdom. » His comments come as Reform continues to surge in the polls, with recent surveys showing the party eclipsing both the Conservatives and Labour.
The May 7 deadline coincides with crucial local elections where Reform hopes to make significant gains and prove it can translate polling success into votes. Dr Bull’s insistence that Reform will remain selective about defections, stating that he is confident they can attract quality candidates without compromising its principles.
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