Danny Kruger, who has consistently voted against LGBTQ+ rights, defects to Reform UK

Danny Kruger, MP for Devizes, has defected from the Conservative Party to join Reform UK.

Kruger, known for his socially conservative views, announced his move in a statement citing dissatisfaction with the Conservative Party’s “abandonment of traditional values” and its “failure to uphold national sovereignty and cultural integrity.” His defection follows months of speculation and growing alignment with Reform UK’s platform on immigration, family policy, and national identity.

The announcement has reignited scrutiny of Kruger’s record on LGBTQ+ rights. At the 2023 National Conservatism Conference, Kruger drew widespread criticism for claiming that only heterosexual, married couples - what he termed “normative families” - provide the foundation for a “safe and functioning society.” Downing Street swiftly distanced itself from the remarks, stating they did not reflect government policy.

Kruger’s parliamentary voting record further underscores his stance. He has consistently voted against measures supporting equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals, earning a 0% rating from equality watchdogs on votes related to LGBTQ+ rights - significantly below the Conservative Party average.

In 2021, Kruger tweeted support for Labour MP Rosie Duffield after she liked tweets that described trans people as “heterosexuals cosplaying as the opposite sex.” Kruger added: “When people derive their identity - indeed, their existence - from their feelings, then there is no more debate, no more relationship, and no such thing as society.”

This comment was widely criticised by LGBTQ+ advocates, including Helen Belcher of Trans Media Watch, who called it “a very reductive and restrictive way of being”.

Reform UK has yet to comment directly on Kruger’s LGBTQ+ record, but party leader Richard Tice welcomed him as “a principled voice for Britain’s future.”