Anderson says Tories stifle free speech as he defects to Reform
Lee Anderson accused the Conservative Party of stifling “free speech” by suspending him amid an Islamophobia row, as he announced his defection to Reform UK.
The Ashfield MP, who lost the Tory whip last month after making widely criticised remarks about Sadiq Khan, said he found it “unpalatable” that he had been disciplined for “speaking my mind”.
In an open attack on the party that had formerly elevated him to deputy chairman, he claimed other Tory MPS share his views but will not stick their heads “above the parapet”.
He announced his switch to the rightwing populist party at a press conference alongside Reform UK leader Richard Tice in London yesterday.
As recently as January, Mr Anderson had branded Mr Tice a “poundshop Nigel Farage” and said Reform was “not a proper political party”.
Asked what has changed, Mr Anderson said: “There’s not been a turning point. We all know that sometimes politicians are about as trustworthy as journalists in what they say and do.
“But it’s been a gradual journey, and I think there’s been several tipping points over the past few months. Like I said in my speech, I’ve had to do a lot of soul-searching about where I am, what I’m doing.
“And when I find myself suspended for speaking my mind – and, by the way, speaking up on behalf of millions of people up and down the country who agree with me – that for me is unpalatable. It’s a shocker, if I’m honest.
“I cannot be a part of an organisation which stifles free speech, and many of my colleagues in that place, in the Conservative Party, do back me on this privately.”
Mr Anderson added: “People will say that I’ve took a gamble. And I’'m prepared to gamble on myself as I know from my mailbag how many people in this country support Reform UK and what they have to say. And, like millions of people up and down the country, all I want is my country back.” Mr Tice said he has found a “champion of the red wall for Reform UK” in welcoming Mr Anderson to his party.
“He’s also coincidentally going to be Reform UK’S first Member of Parliament in the House of Commons.”
Mr Anderson, a standard bearer for the Tory right, lost the Conservative whip last month after claiming “Islamists” had “got control” of Mr Khan and London.
He initially said he accepted that Rishi Sunak had been left with “no option” but to take action after the comments drew condemnation from across the political divide. But he insisted losing the whip had not been the reason for his defection, telling reporters: “My parents have been saying to me for weeks now, you cannot win, we can’t vote for you being in the Conservative Party.
“If my parents are saying that, what chance have I got?”
Mr Tice said he “absolutely” stood by the MP'S remarks about the London Mayor and is happy to share a platform with him.
A Tory spokesman said: “Lee himself said he fully accepted that the Chief Whip had no option but to suspend the whip in these circumstances. We regret he’s made this decision.”