Andrew Rosindell, the long-serving Member of Parliament for Romford, has announced his decision to defect from the Conservative Party to join Reform UK. This move marks a significant shift within the political landscape as Rosindell becomes one of several Conservatives to leave the party in recent months.
In a post on social media platform X, Rosindell shared his motivations for the change, citing a longstanding affiliation with the Conservative Party that began at the age of 14. He expressed admiration for the principles championed by former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, but stated that “the time has come to put country before party.”
Rosindell emphasized his concerns regarding the Conservative Party’s handling of critical issues, particularly the question of Chagossian self-determination and the defense of British sovereignty. He stated, “The failure of the Conservative Party both when in government and more recently in opposition to actively hold the government to account on the issue of Chagossian self-determination… represents a clear red line for me.”
Since his election to Parliament in 2001, Rosindell has been a vocal advocate for the rights of the Chagossian people. He has consistently argued that they should have the exclusive right to determine the future sovereignty of the Chagos Islands. He lamented that his concerns have largely been ignored, stating, “Regrettably, these concerns have fallen on deaf ears.”
The MP criticized both the government and opposition for what he described as complicity in the “surrender of this sovereign British territory to a foreign power.” His comments follow the recent failure of Conservative peers to oppose the British Indian Ocean Territory bill at its third reading, which Rosindell claims was influenced by leadership directives within the party.
At 59 years old, Rosindell’s departure adds to a growing list of Conservative MPs, including Robert Jenrick and Nadhim Zahawi, who have made similar moves to join Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. This trend raises questions about the future direction of the Conservative Party as it grapples with internal dissent and public discontent.
Rosindell’s transition to Reform UK may resonate with constituents in Romford who feel their concerns have been overlooked. The MP has expressed a desire for greater accountability and responsiveness to the needs of his constituency, asserting that “the views and concerns of constituents such as mine in Romford have been consistently ignored for far too long.”
This development underscores the ongoing shifts within British politics, as party loyalty is increasingly called into question. With Rosindell’s defection, the political landscape may continue to evolve as more politicians reassess their affiliations in light of changing public sentiment and party dynamics.
