Rishi Sunak dealt another huge blow as Tory MP backs Reform UK in general election vote

Rishi Sunak was dealt another huge blow on Monday as a Conservative MP publicly backed a Reform UK candidate.

Lucy Allan, a supporter of Liz Truss, announced she is supporting Alan Adams instead of the local Tory candidate, Hannah Campbell.

Ms Allan has previously flirted with the then-Brexit Party, highlighting some “fantastic candidates” in 2019.

And she went a step further on Monday, declaring on X, previously known as Twitter: “I am supporting Alan Adams to be Telford’s next MP. If you want to help Alan or donate to his campaign, sign up on his website.”

She added: "As a Royal Navy veteran, Alan knows what it means to serve.

"He is the candidate who is most in touch with Telford people and best able to represent them. He will serve all residents, not just those who vote for him.

"Alan is not in it for personal advantage, power, or control over people. Alan's motivation for standing for election is profoundly honourable. He will be honest with Telford and put Telford first.

"Alan gives Telford a choice, so that Telford does not have to settle for more of the same politics and more of the same politicians."

Lee Anderson, Reform UK's only MP after defecting from the Conservatives, thanked Ms Allan, adding that it was a "great move".

Nigel Farage, the party's Honorary President, added: "The Reform UK campaign is building momentum."

The Conservatives confirmed Ms Allan has been suspended from the party, adding that a "vote for Reform is a vote for Keir Starmer."

A spokesperson added: “Lucy Allan has been suspended from the Party with immediate effect. The people of Telford now have the chance to vote for a dedicated and hardworking new candidate who will put Telford first. A vote for Reform is a vote for Keir Starmer.”

It comes less than 24 hours before Mr Farage will make his first major intervention in the General Election campaign on immigration.

Conservative strategists fear a wave of support for Reform UK will hand Sir Keir Starmer the keys to Downing Street.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “When it comes to Reform, I understand people’s frustrations.

"But it’s very simple; either Keir Starmer or me is going to be Prime Minister on July 5th.

"So if you’re someone who wants strong borders and wants to get a grip of illegal migration, if you’re someone who wants a more pragmatic serious hard-headed approach to net zero, which prioritises energy security and cutting people’s bills.

"I’m going to deliver that, not Keir Starmer, and that’s the choice at this election."

Allan won the seat from Labour with a slim 730-vote majority, which was squeezed to 720 in 2017. But that was extended to a majority of 10,941 at the 2019 vote.

Mr Sunak has been dealt a series of blows in the early days of the campaign, with senior members of the Government – Michael Gove and Andrea Leadsom – announcing their intention to quit Parliament.

A post-war record of nearly 80 Conservative MPs have stepped down ahead of the General Election as the party languishes behind Labour in opinion polls.

The total number not seeking re-election on July 4 hit 77 on Friday, surpassing the previous record of 72 who quit prior to Sir Tony Blair’s 1997 landslide victory for Labour.

Former ministers Sir David Evennett, Greg Clark and Sir John Redwood also announced they were standing down.

Ms Allan announced last June she would not be standing for re-election.

She said: "I have decided not to stand as the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Telford at the next general election.

“Together with my fantastic team, I will continue to serve our community to the best of my ability for the remainder of the Parliament.

"It’s been an immense privilege to serve such an incredible town, particularly during a period when, against the odds, and despite many local and national challenges, Telford has flourished.

“I am honoured that so many of my constituents have trusted me to help them with some of the most sensitive and painful events in their lives.

“I will of course continue to support every resident until a successor is elected.

"Over the last 10 years Telford has grown in optimism and confidence, realising its true potential as the West Midlands' economic power house.

“It is a wonderful place to live and work. The air is clean, the light is beautiful, the housing is good value and our green spaces are second to none.

“We have created new skilled jobs and fantastic opportunities for the next generation.”