Are Reform shooting themselves in the foot with all the ex-Tories?

[MimiThePink]

I don't know why this didn't really occur to me before now but I'm wondering whether the silver lining of Tory MPs defecting to Reform is that it puts potential Reform voters off them/tarnishes their image as a new broom (I know!!).

Does it make them more or less electable, I wonder?

I think so. I’m seeing more anti reform stuff on Facebook these days. Lots are laughing at them

More or less everyone in Reform is an ex-Tory anyway so what’s the difference?

It makes them less electable imo. The only way they or the Tories would topple Labour is by joining forces and keeping separate policies and ideologies - there would be an outside chance of getting a (slightly) more balanced Government than we have atm or that either party would offer on their own. We're doomed - why would anyone want to vote for them when they're becoming a repository for disillusioned has-beens? I don't like the look of either party btw but I've had enough of the present lot.

I think they'd managed to give the impression when they first formed that they were new/even a bit anti-establishment (regardless of how many members ta the time of founding were es-Tory).

Then there was a period with a few relatively high-profile (I use the term loosely) defections e.g. Danny Kruger. I think that legitimised them a bit further.

But now they're looking more like a dumping ground for ex-Tories, including those that the Tories might not be that bothered to see the back of. I don't think that can be wholly good for Reform - surely there's a fine line between continual/gradual legitimisation (via relatively well-respected right-wingers) and certified cesspit status. I'm fascinated to see if public opinion sways.

Quite a lot. The Tories I know are scathing about the defectors (and since most of them live in Wilts, if I were Danny Kruger I'd be very worried). Reform's policies are most certainly not Conservative ones no matter how much those on the left might think they are.

I think it is harder and harder for Farage to claim his party is the only alternative to Con/Labour/the "Establishment" when he is busy importing so many Tories.

Nuff sed really.