I am a true conservative. I believe in strong families, strong neighbourhoods and a strong nation.
During my time in Parliament, I’ve been active in championing the causes that are important to Reform UK voters.
I’ve campaigned to reduce immigration, protect children from extreme sex education, defend women from trans rights activism, crack down on ‘woke’ university courses and protect our manufacturing industries.
But despite having so much in common with Reform UK, I will not be joining the Party. Here’s why:
Firstly, I am a true conservative. I believe in strong families, strong neighbourhoods and a strong nation. I believe those who work hard should see their reward, and that the primary role of Government is to defend the British people. It’s not me who should be leaving the Conservative Party.
Secondly, hundreds of people – including many who have become dear friends – have given generously of their time and resources to help me campaign for and hold my seat as a Conservative MP. I won’t betray their trust.
And thirdly, while I share the frustration of Reform voters, I cannot agree with the Party’s fantasy tax pledges that would exempt millions from paying tax altogether. These are utterly unaffordable proposals that would decimate pensions and public services. I am all for reducing the tax burden on working people but Reform’s policies would leave a large section of society without any skin in the game, not contributing a penny towards the NHS, schools, the armed forces and other services that we all rely on. If you don’t pay tax, it's easy to support unlimited government spending of other people’s money.
I have no idea if I’ll be re-elected on July 4th. That’s up to the people of Penistone and Stocksbridge, where Reform can’t win, and where every vote for Reform makes a Labour MP more likely. I hope they’ll recognise that I’ve been one of the strongest and bravest voices in Westminster on the issues that Reform voters - disappointed conservatives - care about. If the Labour Party is to win the election, we will need courageous MPs in opposition, standing up against Starmer’s extreme plans to tax pensions and double down on Net Zero. And if I am returned to Parliament, I want to play my part in rebuilding the Conservative Party, helping to transform it into a patriotic party for all ages.
I have every respect for Nigel Farage; he has an important role in shaking up the establishment (and boy, does it need it).
But as for me, I’ll take my chances as a Conservative.
