Not Another One Will Reform destroy the Tories?
Jan 28, 2026
A debate about whether Reform’s string of Conservative defectors signals a long-term takeover of the right. Discussion on how Conservatives now resemble Liberal Democrats in parts and the tensions between one-nation and new-right wings. Examination of Reform’s appeals on immigration, crime and interventionist economics. Questions about by-election impact, Labour’s internal rows over Andy Burnham, and the centre-right voter battle.
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Conservative Coalition Has Become Incoherent
- Tim Montgomerie argues the Conservative coalition has become incoherent on big issues like immigration and climate.
- He says Reform offers a different, more coherent coalition on those voter priorities.
Reform Isn’t Just Thatcherite
- Tim says Reform combines anti-immigration, crime focus and fiscal themes with unexpected interventionist policies.
- He believes Reform is not simply Thatcherite but occupies distinct territory from the Conservatives.
Political Realignment Shapes Party Space
- Tim frames Western political change as a realignment: educated upscale voters drift left, others move right.
- He argues Reform represents the party the Conservatives could have become after 2019.
