Political | Posted on January 7th, 2026 | return to news

Christchurch MP Chris Chope shares view on joining Reform

The Conservative MP for Christchurch Sir Christopher Chope discusses his political career on a podcast.

The Conservative MP for Christchurch, Sir Christopher Chope, has revealed whether or not he would defect to join the increasingly popular Reform party led by Nigel Farage.

“Not in the least,” Sir Chope told Your Voice | Dorset Podcast.

“But I would like to see the right unite. I’m very pleased there’s an increasing confluence of the policies of the Conservative Party and Reform. That could be the foundations for us working together at the next General Election.”

Sir Chope has had a long political career. The Conservative MP was first elected in 1983 for the seat of Southampton Itchen. He lost the seat in 1992 to Labour but returned to Westminster in 1997 when he was elected the MP for Christchurch, a seat he has held for nearly 20 years.

In late November, the 78-year-old came onto Your Voice | Dorset Podcast to talk about his experiences, including serving in Margaret Thatcher’s government in the 80s. He recalled fond memories of the Iron Lady.

“I was absolutely devoted to her,” he said. “She still remains my great character who I wish to emulate in politics, not that I can.

“She was surprising approachable. If you had supper with her, she would insist on washing up the dishes.

“The first time I ever met her was back in 1976, soon after she became leader of the Conservative Party. I was chairman of Putney Conservatives in London. She came and visited an old people’s day centre. I was really impressed… because she got down on her knees and spoke to every single individual in that day centre.

“She treated them as an equal to herself.”

Chope served in the Department of the Environment and was involved with the infamous poll tax.

“It became unpopular, but at the time it was popular because it was getting rid of the old unfair rates system. Margaret was insisting, and I agreed with her, that it was important in local government that everybody should make a contribution. It was a ready reckoner and would enable them to hold their councillors to account.”

The poll tax was introduced in 1990 but didn’t last long. Its repeal was announced in 1991 and replaced by the current Council Tax system in 1993.

So, what does it take to be a successful (or at least long-lasting) politician?

“You’ve got to have a thick skin,” Chope advises. “You’ve got to be true to yourself. I don’t lose sleep [if someone criticises me]. I sometimes lose sleep over the injustice of some of the criticism.”

Chope admitted that being the opposition party is “gruelling, unrewarding” work.

“But it’s a time to take stock, prepare and reexamine your policies, work out where you went wrong and how you’re going to win back the support of the public.”

To learn more about the local MP, including his thoughts on the 2024 General Election, listen to the latest episode of the podcast.

Search for Your Voice | Dorset Podcast online or watch the interview on www.dorsetview.co.uk/podcast and youtube.com/@dorset_view. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews and videos.