New Christians for Reform group receives mixed responses

Reform UK has witnessed a growing Christian presence over the past year, culminating in the recent launch of Christians for Reform, the party’s Christian fellowship.

With Christian politicians like Danny Kruger recently following in the footsteps of ex-Conservatives like Tim Montgomerie and defecting to Reform, the fast-growing, right-wing party is garnering more Christian support.

Montgomerie, who co-founded the Conservative Christian Fellowship in 1990, has now stepped into the role of honorary president of the new Christian Fellowship for Reform. However, other Christians in the political sphere have expressed concern at the increasing link between conservative politics and Christian rhetoric.

“As Christians on the Left, we are concerned about the growing use of Christian language and imagery by those on the far right of politics, within and beyond political parties, whose values and policies do not align with the gospel as we understand it,” said Hannah Rich, director of Christians on the Left. “Loving our neighbour, welcoming the stranger (including migrants and refugees), seeking equality and justice are core to both our faith and politics.”

But responding to the creation of the group, Lib Dem MP Tim Farron, who is a Christian, called it a “good thing”.

“Labour, Lib Dems, and Conservatives all have their own Christian fellowships,” he wrote on X. “You can share a faith and come to different political conclusions. Though, if we’re Christians, we need to remember that politics cannot save us; it is important, but not ultimate.”