Tory defections to Reform are disaster for Badenoch – but Farage needs to tread carefully

Experienced politicians could help Reform get organised - but its leader must be wary of filling its ranks with the Conservatives he likes to criticise

• UK politics live - latest updates

Jake Berry has had an eclectic political career in the run-up to his defection to Reform UK this week. An enthusiastic campaigner for remain at the referendum, he became a big champion of Boris Johnson, then backed the most moderate candidate, Tom Tugendhat, for party leader.

But after Tugendhat inevitably faltered, he became one of the loudest enthusiasts for Liz Truss's premiership, under which he was given the post of Tory chair. After her brief leadership ended in collapse, Berry was one of the party's most restive malcontents. Now, he says, the future is Reform.