Suella Braverman joins Reform UK, marking significant defection from Tories
Senior Tory Suella Braverman has defected to Reform UK, becoming the party’s eighth MP, reports BritPanorama.
Nigel Farage announced the latest defection at a veterans’ event in central London. Braverman joined him on stage, stating that her decision stemmed from her love of Britain. She expressed concern over a “managed decline,” asserting that “immigration is out of control, our public services are on their knees, people don’t feel safe, we can’t even defend ourselves and our nation stands humiliated on the world stage.”
This move was anticipated, as Braverman had been regarded as a potential flight-risk within the Conservative Party due to her criticisms of its leadership and her ongoing disputes regarding immigration and law-and-order policies.
The defection poses a challenge for Tory chief Kemi Badenoch, who has now seen three MPs leave for Reform UK within a fortnight. Earlier this month, Robert Jenrick, a former shadow justice secretary, transitioned to Reform after Badenoch dismissed him upon learning of his defection plans. He was soon followed by Andrew Rosindell, who held the position of shadow minister for foreign affairs.
This string of defections signals a period of instability for the Conservative Party, raising questions about the party’s cohesion and future direction amidst ongoing challenges in governance and public perception.
As political alignments shift, these developments underline the complexities facing the UK’s political landscape, reflecting both dissatisfaction within the Tory ranks and the growing appeal of alternative parties.
