Defectors 'just a notch on Farage's bed post'

TORY leader Kemi Badenoch vows defectors won't distract her from rebuilding the floundering party.

- BY LIZZY BUCHAN Political Editor and DAVE BURKE

On Thursday former Defence Minister Sarah Atherton became the 18th Tory to join Reform UK.

It is a new blow to Badenoch before the party conference. Last month MP Danny Kruger joined Mr Farage, inset right.

The Conservatives gather in Manchester from tomorrow amid dismal poll ratings. Ms Badenoch said Mr Farage was likely to try "a stunt or two" during the conference but sought to downplay the defections.