Why has Sarah Wollaston joined the Liberal Democrats?
Former Tory MP says move is best way for her to fight to stop Brexit
The former Tory MP Sarah Wollaston has joined the Liberal Democrats, arguing that the move is the best way for her to press for the UK to remain in the European Union.
Back in February, she, Anna Soubry and Heidi Allen left the Tories to join the group that became Change UK. However, the group made a disappointing showing in June's EU elections. Her latest switch means the Lib Dems now has 14 MPs.
The move is seen as less of an ideological leap than it would be for many Tories. The Guardian says Wollaston was “always on the more pro-remain and socially liberal side” of the Conservatives.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In a statement about her decision, she said: “I believe the best way for me to represent my constituents in Totnes is to be working as part of a fantastic team of Liberal Democrat MPs who are unequivocally making the case for us to remain at the heart of Europe, as well as campaigning for social justice, the environment and our public services.”
Welcoming Wollaston to the party, leader Jo Swinson said: “We have worked together for many months to fight to stop Brexit and, as one of the most respected members of parliament, she brings real expertise to our team.”
Swinson added: “As the strongest party for remainers, we will lead the fight to stop Brexit.”
Speaking of the uncertain efforts to stop Brexit, Wollaston admitted: “it does look like chaos” but added: “We have a unified plan... we’ll be hearing more about that.”
The former Change UK and Labour MP Chuka Umunna told the BBC that Dr Wollaston's decision to join the Lib Dems was a “massive” moment. He said it showed that the Lib Dems are the “biggest and strongest Remain party in this country”.
Further defections to the party are possible. Umunna said there are “lots of conversations going on and there are lots of people on the train but only they ultimately know when they will arrive at the destination”.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - November 23, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - qualifications, tax cuts, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Long summer days in Iceland's highlands
The Week Recommends While many parts of this volcanic island are barren, there is a 'desolate beauty' to be found in every corner
By The Week UK Published
-
The Democrats: time for wholesale reform?
Talking Point In the 'wreckage' of the election, the party must decide how to rebuild
By The Week UK Published
-
John Prescott: was he Labour's last link to the working class?
Today's Big Quesiton 'A total one-off': tributes have poured in for the former deputy PM and trade unionist
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Last hopes for justice for UK's nuclear test veterans
Under the Radar Thousands of ex-service personnel say their lives have been blighted by aggressive cancers and genetic mutations
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will Donald Trump wreck the Brexit deal?
Today's Big Question President-elect's victory could help UK's reset with the EU, but a free-trade agreement with the US to dodge his threatened tariffs could hinder it
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
What is the next Tory leader up against?
Today's Big Question Kemi Badenoch or Robert Jenrick will have to unify warring factions and win back disillusioned voters – without alienating the centre ground
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
What is Lammy hoping to achieve in China?
Today's Big Question Foreign secretary heads to Beijing as Labour seeks cooperation on global challenges and courts opportunities for trade and investment
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is Britain about to 'boil over'?
Today's Big Question A message shared across far-right groups listed more than 30 potential targets for violence in the UK today
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
UK's Starmer slams 'far-right thuggery' at riots
Speed Read The anti-immigrant violence was spurred by false rumors that the suspect in the Southport knife attack was an immigrant
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
How could J.D. Vance impact the special relationship?
Today's Big Question Trump's hawkish pick for VP said UK is the first 'truly Islamist country' with a nuclear weapon
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published