Yui Mok/PA
Lee Anderson appeared to question his own integrity as he defected to Reform UK, saying politicians can be “about as trustworthy as journalists in what they say and do”.
The former deputy Tory Party chairman announced his switch to the right-wing populist party at a press conference alongside Reform UK leader Richard Tice in London on Monday.
As recently as January, Anderson had branded Mr Tice a “poundshop Nigel Farage” and said Reform was “not a proper political party”.
Asked what has changed, Anderson said: “There’s not been a turning point. We all know that sometimes politicians are about as trustworthy as journalists in what they say and do.
“But it’s been a gradual journey, and I think there’s been several tipping points over the past few months. Like I said in my speech, I’ve had to do a lot of soul-searching about where I am, what I’m doing.
“And when I find myself suspended for speaking my mind – and, by the way, speaking up on behalf of millions of people up and down the country who agree with me – that for me is unpalatable. It’s a shocker, if I’m honest.
“I cannot be a part of an organisation which stifles free speech, and many of my colleagues in that place, in the Conservative Party, do back me on this privately.”
Anderson added: “People will say that I’ve took a gamble. And I’m prepared to gamble on myself as I know from my mailbag how many people in this country support Reform UK and what they have to say. And, like millions of people up and down the country, all I want is my country back.”
In January of this year, Anderson publically told GB News that Reform UK is “not the answer” as he warned about the party handing the keys to Number 10 to the Labour Party.
Recent polling has put his new party within five points of the Conservatives, allowing Sir Keir Starmer to open up a commanding lead in poll position.
He has also had some choice things to say about Richard Tice, too.
At the start of the year, he described Tice as a “pound shop Farage”, adding that he is Reform’s answer to Diane Abbott.
Looks like the pair have since made amends, in spite of this:
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