In a significant blow to the Conservative Party's stronghold in Greater Manchester, mayoral candidate Dan Barker has made the bold decision to defect to the upstart Reform UK party. Barker, who also served as the head of a local Conservative committee, announced his switch on Thursday, declaring Reform UK as "the new home of conservatism." This move comes at a crucial time, as Barker prepares to challenge the Labour-backed incumbent, Andy Burnham, in the upcoming election just six weeks away.
While not a widely recognized figure in Westminster circles, Barker's defection adds to the mounting pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Conservative Party to address its dwindling support in key regions pivotal to their success in the 2019 general election. The party's reliance on gains in former Labour strongholds in northern England, known as the Red Wall, was a cornerstone of their landslide victory under Boris Johnson's leadership.
The latest blow to the Conservatives comes as a new poll indicates that Nigel Farage's Reform UK is swiftly gaining ground, threatening to surpass the Tories as the country's second most popular party. With the Conservatives stagnating at 19% support, tied for their lowest level in this Parliament, Reform UK has surged to 15% support, marking its highest rating yet. Despite Labour maintaining its lead with 44% support, the rise of Reform UK presents a formidable challenge to the status quo.
Barker's defection follows in the footsteps of former Conservative Deputy Party Chairman Lee Anderson, who made a similar move earlier this month after losing party backing from Sunak. Reform UK's platform, promising tax cuts, enhanced healthcare access, and stringent immigration controls, seeks to resonate with voters in the Red Wall constituencies disillusioned with traditional party politics.
As Sunak grapples with internal dissent and calls for a change in leadership ahead of crucial local elections in May and a looming general election later in the year, the Tory party faces a pivotal juncture. With only 15 days to select a new candidate for the Greater Manchester mayoral race, the pressure is on to navigate these turbulent political waters and regain the trust of disillusioned voters.