The Conservatives have withdrawn a statement that linked Suella Braverman’s defection to Reform UK with her mental health, after widespread criticism. The party now says the statement was “sent out in error”.
The original statement, shared with journalists by a Conservative spokesperson, said: “It was always a matter of when, not if, Suella would defect. The Conservatives did all we could to look after Suella’s mental health, but she was clearly very unhappy.” It was condemned by MPs, peers and mental health charities for trivialising mental health struggles.
Nigel Evans, a former Conservative MP, called it an “absolute disgrace” on GB News. Tory peer Stewart Jackson wrote on X that it was “nasty and unpleasant” and would lose votes. The Conservative spokesperson later apologised and issued a corrected statement omitting the mental health reference.
Labour MP Sojan Joseph, chair of the all-party parliamentary group on mental health, described the comments as “frankly appalling”. A Reform source denied the claim, saying Braverman has never been diagnosed with a mental health condition, and accused the Tories of panic.
Mental health charities also criticised the statement. Tom Pollard of Mind said using mental health as a criticism is stigmatising. Brian Dow of Rethink Mental Illness said employers should never disclose such details, and it is wrong to use mental health as a political football.
