A Conservative backbencher has switched allegiance from theTories to Reform UK, saying Nigel Farageshould become the next prime minister.
Danny Kruger, the Member of Parliament for EastWiltshire, stated that he thinks the Conservative Party 'is finished' during a press conference on Monday.
The son of Great British Bake Off presenter Prue Leith, Kruger has served as an MP since 2019, following the Tories' decisive electoral win underBoris Johnson.
A devout Christian, he emerged as one of the prominent critics againstassisted dyingprior to the Commons narrowly approving its legislation earlier this year – drawing criticism from other MPs for describing it as 'suicide'.
This is the first instance of a current Conservative MP switching allegiance to Mr Farage's party, and will represent a significant setback forKemi Badenoch, who secured the leadership with a conservative ideology.
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Who is Danny Kruger?
A 50-year-old politician has mostly served as a backbencher throughout his six-year time in parliament, except for a nine-month period when he held the position of Parliamentary Private Secretary in the housing department.
He stepped down as Boris Johnson's leadership faced collapse following controversies regarding his behavior during the pandemic.
Mr. Kruger has often mentioned his religious beliefs, encouraging the UK to revisit 'Christian values' in his inaugural speech as an MP in 2020.
The following year, he was mentioned in the news following a £730 fine.letting his dog trigger a rush of 200 deer, having been captured on camera as he pursued her.
In 2023, he sparked debate with a speech where he claimed that 'the sole foundation for a secure and thriving society' lies in heterosexual marriage.
He proposed that heterosexual couples who "stay together for the children's sake" should be given incentives.
Then-prime minister Rishi Sunakopenly rejected his statements, asserting that the remarks did not represent his opinions or his administration.
Mr. Kruger has also strongly opposed legislation aimed at legalizing assisted dying, often referencing his faith.
He and his mother – who backs the reforms – appeared in a documentary discussing the topic, a subject that is personally significant as Dame Prue’s brother "begged to die" as hepassed away in 2012 after a struggle with bone cancer.
Mr. Kruger faced criticism for stating on television that he wished his mother had 'seen sense' regarding the matter, yet he maintained that they shared a strong relationship and could discuss the issue openly.
He served as the head of the cross-party parliamentary group (APPG) for assisted dying from 2021 until early 2024, when it was restructured under the new Labour administration.
The regulatory body in Westminster initiated an inquiry into him in November due to concerns regarding financial support provided to the organization, which obtained £55,000 from lobbyists associated with the Christian right.
The details of the accusations remain unclear, but the Observer stated that there were significant delays—up to 18 months in one instance—in reporting substantial donations.
A representative of Mr. Kruger stated at that time: 'The regulations indicate that a member under scrutiny should not make public remarks about the allegations being probed. Therefore, we will not be making any comments.'
Lately, Mr Kruger has more openly expressed his detachment from conventional centre-right ideologies.
In a parliamentary debate earlier this year, he stated that the void created by the decrease in Christian influence in Britain is being filled by Islam and 'woke' ideologies.
He contended that the former represents a "highly perilous ideology of control" shaped by "pagan beliefs" and "heretical ideas" that is "opposed" to family structures.
"It needs to be completely destroyed, at the very least as a public belief. It should be removed from public life, including schools, universities, and businesses in the public sector," he continued.
Before entering politics, Kruger worked in various political roles and established the youth organization.crime prevention charity Only Connect.
After receiving his education at Eton College and the University ofOxford, he became part of the center-right research organization Centre for Policy Studies prior to transitioning to the Conservative Party's Policy Unit.
Following an unsuccessful attempt to secure a seat as an MP in 2005, he served as David Cameron's principal speechwriter for two years before departing to dedicate himself entirely to his charity in 2008.
A decade later, he returned to politics, serving as an advisor to the government's ministry of culture and sports.
He served as Boris Johnson's political secretary in August 2019, stepping down from the role after being elected as an MP later that year.
Why did Danny Kruger switch to Reform?
In his address where he announced his switch, Mr Kruger stated that the Conservative party is no longer 'the main opposition to the left'.
"The Conservative Party has come to an end. Finished as a national party, and no longer the main opposition to the Left," he stated.
He claimed his tenure in power was characterized by 'failure, greater'government, societal deterioration, meager incomes, heavy taxation, and fewer of the things that regular people truly desired’.
Mr. Kruger added, "However, I am not discouraged as conservatism is not finished."
It has never been more necessary. In fact, it has never been more lively. Due to the shortcomings of the Conservative Party, there is now room for a different option. The flame is being transferred from one torch to another.
We have experienced a year marked by inaction and lack of direction, along with a false sense of unity that arises from avoiding bold, challenging, or contentious actions, and the outcome is reflected in the poll results.
And those voters are not returning, and each day, an increasing number of people are following them in leaving the party that has let them down.
Our goal goes beyond toppling the existing structure; it is about reviving the system that is essential.
The MP, who once stood for Devizes, mentioned that his position will involve getting Reform UK ready for power.
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