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.
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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”.
