Former Wolverhampton MP in surprise defection to Reform

A former Wolverhampton MP has defected to Reform UK, saying there was a need for “radical” solutions to the country’s problems.

Jane Stevenson, who was Conservative MP for Wolverhampton North East from 2019 to 2024, said it had been a “painful” decision, and she had no criticism of the Conservative Party in Wolverhampton.

Miss Stevenson revealed she had joined Nigel Farage’s party “a few months ago”, having allowed her Conservative membership to lapse.

“Kemi [Badenoch] is doing a good job, trying to take the Conservative Party in a sensible direction, and I have no disagreement with the Conservatives in Wolverhampton and the Black Country who I agree with on most things.

“I just feel that nationally the Conservative Party is just a little bit too broad and perhaps a bit too centrist to do the big things I want to see.

“On many other policy areas, I have liked what I have heard from Reform UK. Cutting waste, lowering taxes, prioritising ordinary working people.”

She said she had been particularly impressed by the work of former Tory MP Danny Kruger, now with Reform, on reforming structures at Whitehall.

“Keir Starmer spoke of his frustration that you pull a lever and not a lot happens,” she said.

“This must change so governments can deliver what we vote for.”

Miss Stevenson, whose mother Joan was a long-serving Conservative councillor in Wolverhampton, said it had been a difficult decision.

“By nature, I’m as loyal as a labrador,” she said. “The thought of shifting party was a painful one. I know many voters feel this way, if they’ve always voted Conservative, as my mother did, or Labour, as my father did, it’s difficult to change.

“While I know and like some local members, I had no idea if I’d fit in at Reform UK. I decided to attend their conference and see how I felt, and signed up as a member a few months ago online so I could attend.

“I had a brilliant time. Some Reform members from Wolverhampton were a bit confused to see me, but I met fantastic people from all over the country. I felt welcomed, I felt optimistic, and I felt at home.”