East Wiltshire Conservatives set out aim to reclaim MP seat
New chair Jonny Gray says he wants to build on recent political success
Last updated 15th May 2026
East Wiltshire's Conservatives have set their sights on reclaiming the constituency's Parliamentary seat from Reform UK after electing a new chair.
The East Wiltshire Conservative Association (EWCA) has elected Mr Jonathan (Jonny) Gray as its next Chairman at the Annual General Meeting held in Marlborough.
The East Wiltshire constituency includes Marlborough, Amesbury, Tidworth and Ludgershall.
He is aiming to build on recent political success in Wiltshire for the party: "I am honoured to have been elected to lead East Wiltshire Conservatives.
"Last week, the people of Swindon rejected both the failed Labour Party and the false choice offered by divisive, extreme populism."
The members of EWCA have united behind his commitment to rebuild support across the constituency and aim to reclaim the seat from Reform UK following the defection of Danny Kruger.
Mr Gray succeeds Mr Rupert Stephenson, who has concluded his five-year term.
Vision to win back MP seat
Last September, Mr Kruger defected from the Conservatives to Nigel Farage's Reform party, claiming the Tories had failed on issues such as mass migration and Brexit, saying it had led to a loss of confidence in the party ahead of the 2024 General Election.
He stopped short of apologising to his constituents, and refused to call a by-election, with criticism coming from then leader of Wiltshire Council for the Conservatives, Richard Clewer, and Tory chair for Melksham and Devizes, Brian Burchfield.
EWCA plans to select a Parliamentary Candidate later this year to win back the seat from Reform UK in the next General Election.
"East Wiltshire did not vote for Reform and many voters are very disappointed in our MP’s defection," Mr Gray said
Gray emphasised that only the Conservatives will stand up for farmers, local businesses, and veterans while tackling barriers to economic growth imposed by Labour.
Words of gratitude and future plans
Outgoing Chairman Rupert Stephenson reflected on his tenure, stating: “Serving as Chairman of the East Wiltshire Conservative Association over the past five years has been an honour and a privilege. Our Association is built on the dedication of its members, volunteers, councillors, and officers.”
Acknowledging the disappointment over the MP's defection last year, Mr Stephenson noted that the EWCA remains robust with 10 active branches and an enthusiastic membership.
He expressed delight at Jonny Gray's election, praising Gray for his energy, experience, and purpose.
Stephenson will continue to support Gray as he leads the Association in re-engaging local voters and preparing for the selection of EWCA's next Parliamentary Candidate later this year.
"I look forward to supporting Jonny as we continue the essential work of championing Conservative values across East Wiltshire and ensuring our communities have a strong voice in the years ahead."