Reform UK is set to face its first electoral test since two Tory shadow ministers jumped ship to the party.
Nigel Farage’s party will battle it out in the polls in a fresh round of by-elections this week – with the first two taking place tomorrow.
Last week began with ex-Conservative Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi announcing his move to Reform.
Then just days ago, Mr Farage lured in Robert Jenrick in a day of Conservative Party chaos – before Sunday night saw Shadow Foreign Office Minister Andrew Rosindell make the switch too.
With Mr Rosindell’s defection, the party now has a total of seven MPs.
Critics have claimed Reform is becoming “Tories 2.0” – and the party has said it will not be taking on any defections after May 7.
Reform’s head of policy, Zia Yusuf, confirmed: “After May 7, 2026, Reform will accept NO MORE Tories.
“That means MPs. It means former MPs.
“It means councillors. Tick tock.”
Ex-shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick defected to Reform on Thursday
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PA
Horsley ward, Derbyshire
One of two by-elections taking place tomorrow will be held in the Horsley ward in Derbyshire, where Reform will be looking to defend its seat.
The by-election was called following the resignation of Councillor Richard Morgan, who was elected last May.
Hoping to keep hold of the party’s seat is candidate Juliette Stevens.
Ms Stevens said: “If you want change please vote for me next Tuesday, January 20. Reform UK.
Reform candidate Juliette Stevens will be looking to keep the council seat turquoise
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“No farmers no food! No agricultural land, no food security.
“Reform UK are fighting back and this is so badly needed in the Horsley Division which is under attack in a big way by pylons, housing developers and solar factories on farmers’ fields – but for me to fight for you I need your votes next Tuesday.”
The full list of candidates are:
- Labour: John Cowings
- Lib Dems: Adrian James Miller
- Conservative: Amanda Louise Paget
- Greens: Lian Pizzey
- Advance UK: Alex Stevenson
- Reform: Juliette Stevens
Codnor, Langley Mill & Aldercar, Amber Valley
A by-election is also being called to fill a vacant seat on Amber Valley District Council in nearby Ripley.
It comes following the resignation of Labour councillor, David Moon, on the Codnor, Langley Mill & Aldercar ward.
The voter turnout to the last election in the same ward in 2023 was 28 per cent.
Labour candidate Mark Howard will be looking to fend off the competition and keep his party’s seat safe.
Reform has put forward ex-police officer Dave Chambers as its candidate.
Reform has put forward Dave Chambers (third from left) as its candidate
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FACEBOOK/REFORM UK AMBER VALLEY
The party’s Amber Valley branch said: “[Mr Chambers] believes residents are not being listened to or adequately represented.
“This must change – and Reform believes Dave Chambers is the right person for the job.”
The full list of candidates are:
- Refom: Dave Chambers
- Lib Dems: Gemma Louise Davey
- Conservatives: Jake William Gilbert
- Labour: Mark Howard
- Greens: Bess Saunders
- Derbyshire Community Party: Rob Marshall
- Advance UK: Alex Stevenson