Suella Braverman, the former UK Home Secretary and a high-profile Conservative MP, has formally left the Conservative Party and joined Reform UK, accusing her former party of abandoning its promises to voters on key national issues.
Braverman announced her move on Monday at a Reform UK gathering in east London, marking a significant political shift on the British right. Her defection follows similar moves by other Conservative MPs in recent days and adds momentum to Reform UK’s growing presence in Parliament.
A Break Years in the Making
Speaking alongside Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, Braverman said she had felt increasingly disconnected from the Conservatives, describing a long period of political frustration. She argued that the party had failed to act decisively on immigration control, Brexit delivery, and tax policy, claiming voters had been repeatedly misled.
According to Braverman, the final breakdown came after what she described as an internal culture that pushed out right-leaning voices. She compared her departure to the slow collapse of a relationship, saying trust had steadily eroded over time.
Reform UK’s Growing Parliamentary Footprint
Farage confirmed discussions with Braverman had been ongoing for more than a year. He said her decision reflected a broader realignment within centre-right politics, with Reform positioning itself as the primary alternative to both Labour and the Conservatives.
While acknowledging criticism of her time in government, Farage argued that former ministers bring valuable experience, particularly those who now believe structural constraints-such as continued adherence to the European Convention on Human Rights-limited meaningful reform while in office.
Braverman’s move brings Reform UK’s total number of MPs to eight, still small compared to Labour’s commanding majority but symbolically significant given recent polling trends.
Conservative Party Pushback
The Conservative Party responded swiftly, suggesting Braverman’s departure was driven more by ambition than principle. An initial statement referencing her personal wellbeing was later withdrawn, with party officials admitting it had been released prematurely.
Braverman rejected the remark outright, calling it unnecessary and reflective of a party struggling to manage internal divisions. Several senior Conservatives also criticized the wording, describing it as inappropriate and damaging.
Other party figures suggested the timing of her exit was poor, arguing that the Conservatives were beginning to stabilize under current leadership and regain voter confidence.
Wider Political Reactions
Opposition parties were quick to weigh in. Labour representatives accused Reform UK of recycling figures they blame for years of political instability, while Liberal Democrats argued that defectors were distancing themselves from decisions they once supported.
Despite recent polling showing Reform performing strongly, analysts note the party remains far from challenging Labour’s parliamentary dominance ahead of the next general election, expected in 2029.
Braverman’s Political Background
Braverman has served as MP for Fareham and Waterlooville since 2015. Her ministerial career includes roles as Attorney General and Home Secretary, though it was marked by controversy, including resignations and dismissals linked to breaches of conduct and public disagreements with government institutions.
At the Reform UK event, she encouraged local supporters from her constituency to consider joining her, while confirming she has no immediate plans to trigger a by-election.
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