You cannot have it both ways. If we need to make sure that we have enough experience in Reform to be the next government, then, by definition, we need to take those who have it.

As I wrote on my Substack this week, that is pretty elementary. Therefore, those who are becoming concerned that we are taking too many Tory MPs are effectively saying that we should not be looking for experience.

Furthermore, the more currently serving MPs we take, the more our own parliamentary ranks swell and the harder it is for us to be denied the usual courtesies for opposition parties.

Next year, for example, Nigel Farage will be laying a wreath at the Cenotaph because we have reached ( and surpassed) the qualifying number of six MPs.

That is not to say that Reform should take anybody and everybody from the declining Conservative ranks, and we don’t. I am in two minds about the deadline of May 7th simply because I believe that, with three years still to go, there will be suitable people wanting to come over.

Neither Jacob Rees-Mogg nor Mark Francois is prepared to defect, but if either was I imagine we would put out the bunting even if it were a mere week before the General Election.