Conservative Candidate Defects to Reform Party in Greater Manchester Mayoral Election
Recent developments in the Greater Manchester mayoral election have seen Dan Barker, a Conservative activist from Sale, defecting to the Reform Party. This move comes after Barker was selected as the Tory candidate in December 2023.
Reasons for Defection
A source close to the Greater Manchester Conservatives revealed that Barker no longer meets the expected criteria set by the party, leading to his departure. This shift in candidacy has raised questions about the internal dynamics within the Conservative Party.
Political Landscape Shift
A YouGov poll indicated a decline in Tory support to below 20 per cent, marking a significant shift since Rishi Sunak assumed the role of Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Reform Party’s support has surged to 14 per cent, positioning them closely behind the Tories in opinion polls.
Reactions to the Defection
Comments from a Conservative parliamentary candidate reflected a mix of surprise and criticism towards Barker’s decision. The candidate remarked, “I congratulate Dan on going from being guaranteed to lose because of his mediocrity, to being doubly guaranteed to lose because of his untrustworthiness.”
Upon reaching out to Reform Party for comment, they did not deny Barker’s defection, indicating a potential reshaping of the political landscape in Greater Manchester.