Weekly Roundup: 14-21 Sept : Reform UK's Rise and Palestine Recognition: Political Shifts Reshaping Britain

The political landscape in Britain underwent a seismic shift this week as Conservative MP Danny Kruger crossed the floor to join Reform UK, becoming the first sitting Tory MP to defect to Nigel Farage's party. Kruger's dramatic declaration that "the Conservative Party is over as a national party" raises profound questions about the future of right-wing politics in the UK and the potential fragmentation of the conservative vote.

Against this backdrop of political realignment, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer prepares to formally recognise Palestine as a state this Sunday. This significant foreign policy move, expected to be accompanied by new sanctions against Hamas, balances moral imperatives with geopolitical considerations. The timing, just before the UN General Assembly, suggests calculated diplomatic positioning, though critics may view it as virtue-signalling rather than substantive policy advancement.

Both major party leaders continue to struggle with public perception. Starmer's net favourability has plummeted to an alarming minus 50, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch remains deeply unpopular with a net rating of minus 35. These dismal figures reflect a crisis of leadership creating space for Reform UK's continued rise in the polls. As political tensions simmer, sporting achievements provide some national bright spots, with British competitors making their mark in snooker, golf, athletics, and cycling. The centre-right perspective on these developments suggests Reform UK's momentum is real, the Conservative Party faces existential choices, and whoever can offer credible leadership with solid policy stands to gain in this volatile political environment.

What do you think about the changing landscape of British politics? Share your thoughts on whether Reform UK represents a genuine alternative or if the Conservative Party can rebuild under Badenoch's leadership.

Chapters

• 1:16 Welcome and Introduction
• 1:32 MP Kruger Defects to Reform UK
• 2:29 Palestine Recognition by Starmer
• 3:25 Political Popularity Ratings Update
• 4:10 Sports Roundup
• 4:59 Centre-Right Political Analysis

Transcript

Speaker 1: 1:00

Hello and welcome to Bob M's News bringing you this week's round-up of UK news, politics and sport through a centre-right lens. It's the week ending Sunday, 21st September 2025. I'm Bob M. Let's dive in.

Speaker 1: 1:16

This week's biggest political shock came when Conservative MP Danny Kruger defected to Reform UK, marking the first time a sitting Tory MP has made that move. Kruger, member of Parliament for East Wiltshire, declared that the Conservative Party is over as a national party, over as the principal opposition to the left. He is being tasked by Nigel Farage to head Reform's preparations for government. From a centre-right view, this raises serious questions. How viable is Reform UK as a governing alternative? Can they deliver coherent policy on economy, defence, migration etc. Not merely protest politics? What does this mean for the Conservative Party under Kemi Badenoch? The Tories are facing a credibility crisis if members believe the party is over, as Kruger claims. For voters concerned about stability, law and order and preserving institutions, there is risk in fragmentation of the right-wing vote.

Speaker 1: 2:13

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to formally recognise Palestine as a state this Sunday, following on from a prior condition that Israel take certain steps, including cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, etc. Also, reports suggest that new sanctions against Hamas will accompany the recognition From a centre-right standpoint. On one hand, there is a moral imperative in foreign policy, recognising statehood in pursuit of a two-state solution, human rights, etc. On the other hand, this carries risks. What message does it send about the UK's alignment with its traditional allies, its stance on terrorism and its ability to influence outcomes, for example, hostage release, security guarantees? The timing just before the UN General Assembly suggests Starmer aims for diplomatic positioning, but some voters may see this as virtue-signalling or politically risky. Starmer's personal popularity continues to slide. According to YouGov, only about 21% of Britons now express a favourable view of him, while 71% are unfavourable, resulting in a net rating of minus 50, his lowest so far. Similarly, kemi Badenoch, as Conservative leader, remains unpopular roughly 19% favourable and a majority unfavourable net minus 35. Reform UK under Nigel Farage has been increasing in polls, buoyed by defections and discontent on both left and right. The polling momentum suggests the political centre is under strain and voters may be shifting in ways that challenge the two-party system.

Speaker 1: 3:54

Sport now. In Snooker, the English Open reached its semi finals. Ju Yulong knocked out Mark Selby and Mark Allen came from behind to beat Jack Jones in a tense match. The final is between Ju and Allen, with prize money and prestige on the line. In golf, alex Norrin won the BMW PGA Championship after a playoff against Adrian Sadia in difficult and variable conditions. In athletics, katerina Johnson-Thompson shared the bronze medal in the heptathlon. At the World Athletics Championships, anna Hall won gold. Cycling's Road World Championships in Rwanda are underway Africa's first time hosting, amid controversy, especially after political tensions during the Vuelta a España.

Speaker 1: 4:39

From a centre-right perspective, here are some takeaways and things to keep an eye on. Reform UK's rise is more than media hype. Defections, strong polling and control of local councils show momentum. The Conservative Party needs to decide whether to shift right, rebrand or risk marginalisation. Starmer's foreign policy choices, especially over Palestine, could appeal to the progressive centre and foreign policy-minded, but carry domestic political risk. How he frames this security moral duty, international law will matter. Migration and border control will remain central issues. Voters expect clear delivery. This is fertile political ground for parties that promise action, public trust and leadership ratings. Both Labour and the Conservatives have bosses with deeply unpopular nets. Whoever offers credible, stable leadership with solid policy is likely to gain. Sport remains a unifier and an opportunity for soft power. Successes like the Red Roses help national morale. Centre-right policy distinguishing between supporting national institutions and identity versus culture wars will likely use sport as a vector. That wraps up Bob M's news for this week. Till then, stay informed and see you next week.