The Ex-Files: paranormal author defects to Reform

Reform UK has been mocked after announcing their latest defection to the party — a police and crime commissioner who is an expert on ghosts, aliens and UFOs.

- MILLIE COOKE

Rupert Matthews, who holds the post in Leicestershire and Rutland, was introduced as having joined the party from the Conservatives, breaking a 40-year membership.

Before being elected in 2021, he served two years as a Tory MEP. He has also written a number of books about ghost sightings, UFOs, cryptozoology and other paranormal subjects.

Cryptozoology is a pseudoscience focusing on legendary animals, such as the Sasquatch, in order to evaluate the possibility of their existence.

Responding to the announcement, the prime minister's press secretary said: "Their big defection is very interested in the fantastical and the unexplained. It's no surprise he's added Reform's fiscal plans to that list."

Meanwhile, a Labour source said: "It's not just the ghost of Tory past that is swelling the Reform ranks. Their latest recruit Rupert Matthews peddles alien conspiracy theories and believes the removal of abortion rights overseas is a 'triumph' for democracy."