Reform UK party allegedly ‘offered Tory MP £400,000 to defect’

Tory officials are contacting the Commons Speaker following allegations that an MP was offered a £400,000 “bribe” to defect to Reform UK. 

The insurgent party, which Brexiteer Nigel Farage helped found, allegedly offered five years’ salary if the Conservatives switched allegiance and lost their seat.

The MP did, however, report the alleged incident to Conservative Campaign Headquarters, which has contacted Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

“The Speaker will be told about what happened,” a Tory source said, “and then we’ll see what happens.”

Given the large sum allegedly involved, the Conservative Party is investigating whether an offence has been committed that could end up with the Fraud Office.

It expressed concern about MPs being offered “financial incentives” to change the Whip and vote in a different way.

After a 2.9 percent annual raise was approved last week, MPs’ pay will rise to £86,584 in April.

According to Reform UK sources, the claims are “desperate nonsense” and a “smear” by “anxious” Conservatives.

The party is expected to campaign hard in the Red Wall constituencies, which Tory activists fear will be difficult to retain in the next election.

Reform, led by Richard Tice, arose from the ashes of the Brexit Party, and changed its name after the 2019 general election to reflect its broader interests.

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