The former Swindon MP and Solicitor General Robert Buckland has expressed anger over Danny Kruger’s move to Reform UK.
The East Wiltshire parliamentarian announced that he had defected from the Conservatives in a news conference alongside Nigel Farage on Monday (15 September).
Buckland, who was a top Tory MP for Swindon South until he lost his seat in the 2024 General Election, lives in Kruger’s constituency – and has called him out over the party switch.
In a post on X, he said: ‘Hey [Danny Kruger], you are supposed to be my Conservative MP.
‘What on earth do you think you are doing? Local people did not vote for this!’
The comments sparked outcry, with many of his followers asking why a by-election isn’t automatically called when a serving MP defects.
Former independent councillor for Tidworth, Brian Pratt, has launched a petition – calling for a by-election over what he describes as a “shocking move”.
On Change.org, he wrote: “Danny Kruger was elected as a Conservative MP to represent the East Wiltshire seat. However, in a shocking move, he has now defected to the Reform Party. As constituents of East Wiltshire, we believe this significant change in political allegiance warrants a public discussion and voter input.
“Having been elected as a Conservative MP, his defection to another party contradicts the platform upon which he was initially elected. The people of East Wiltshire voted for a Conservative representative, and this switch has left many feeling misrepresented.
“In a democratic society, transparency and representation are paramount. By switching parties mid-term, without the consent of his constituents, Danny Kruger has undermined the trust of the electorate, raising questions about whether he truly represents the best interests of the East Wiltshire constituency.
“It’s only fair that the voters should now have the opportunity to reaffirm or withdraw their support through a by-election.
“Enabling a recall and subsequent by-election will ensure democratic integrity by giving us, the residents of East Wiltshire, a voice in determining if Mr. Kruger is still the person best suited to represent our interests. Every voter should have the right to assess this significant shift in political alignment and determine whether it aligns with their own values and needs.
“A by-election is not only a measure of accountability but also a chance for Mr. Kruger to validate his new political stance through a fresh mandate. We urge you to support this petition for a recall election, ensuring that our democratic processes remain robust and that our community is adequately represented in Parliament.”
