Suella Braverman has defected to Reform UK, becoming the third Conservative MP to join Nigel Farage's party in just over a week. The former home secretary, who was sacked from the cabinet by both Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, announced her departure at a press conference, stating she had felt 'politically homeless' for the last two years and that too many Tory promises on Brexit and immigration 'lie in tatters'.
The Conservatives faced a backlash after initially issuing a statement claiming they had done 'all we could to look after Suella’s mental health' but she was 'clearly very unhappy'. The party later withdrew the statement, saying it was a draft sent out in error. The original statement also accused Braverman of acting out of 'personal ambition' rather than care for her community.
The mental health reference drew criticism across the political spectrum. Former Conservative MP Nigel Evans called it an 'absolute disgrace', while immigration minister Mike Tapp described it as 'gutter politics'. Braverman responded by calling the statement 'a bit pathetic' and said it reflected a 'bitter and desperate party in free fall'. She also claimed Tory leader Kemi Badenoch had previously accused her of having a 'breakdown', but later apologised during her leadership campaign.
Braverman was unveiled at a Reform UK rally attended by veterans in central London. She accused Badenoch of forcing her out as part of a 'witch-hunt against rightwingers'. Farage said Braverman's defection brought much-needed experience, noting that more of Liz Truss's former cabinet members are now in his top team than in Badenoch's.
Speculation persists that other Tory figures may follow Braverman. David Frost, a Conservative peer and former Cabinet Office minister, posted a picture campaigning with her, saying they had 'always seen things the same way'. However, some on the Tory right, including Mark Francois, expressed disappointment at her departure.
