Lessons the Conservatives must learn from Lee Anderson’s defection
SIR – In response to a question about Lee Anderson’s defection from the Conservatives to Reform UK (telegraph.co.uk, March 11), James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, came out with the old cliché – that a vote for Reform is a vote for Labour.
Do these people who are supposedly running the country not realise that it is because of their incompetence that Reform even exists?
The Tories failed to keep their 2019 manifesto pledges. When Rishi Sunak became the unelected Prime Minister, these were followed by yet more empty promises.
The Government has already handed power to Labour – and taken the public for granted for too long. Andrew Ash
Market Harborough, Leicestershire
SIR – I’m unaware of any award for ironic political statement of the year, but if one exists then we already have a clear winner: the Conservative Party spokesman who, commenting on Lee
Anderson’s defection, claimed that “voting for Reform can’t deliver anything apart from a Keir Starmer-led Labour government that would take us back to square one – which means higher taxes, higher energy costs, no action on Channel crossings, and uncontrolled immigration”.
I’m sure many voters had a wry chuckle over that claim. Richard Scott Kirkbride, Cumbria
SIR – The defection of Lee Anderson to Reform UK is no loss to the Conservative Party.
Politicians who cannot engage their brains before opening their mouths are always going to be a major political liability at some point, and Mr Anderson has been an all too obvious example. Kim Potter
Lambourn, Berkshire
SIR – The Conservatives’ loss is Reform’s gain. However, I’m not convinced that Rishi Sunak understands what his party has lost or why Reform has gained.
Andy Bebbington
Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire
SIR – There is no political party more adept at self-harm than the Conservatives, and Lee Anderson’s defection sums it all up.
The Tories are in government but not in control. I despair.
Jonathan WA Hall
Oaksey, Wiltshire
SIR – On the basis that people generally vote for a party rather than a candidate, MPS should not be able change their party, as this shows gross contempt for those who elected them.
If Lee Anderson wishes to change party then he should resign and stand again for election under the Reform UK banner, or wait for the forthcoming general election.
Chris Barmby Tonbridge, Kent