Credited from: INDIATIMES
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has defected from the Conservative Party to join Nigel Farage's Reform UK, marking a notable political shift in the UK. Announcing her decision at a Reform UK rally in London, she expressed her feelings of belonging to her new party, stating, "I feel like I've come home." This move brings the number of MPs in Reform UK to eight, following similar recent defections from Conservative MPs Robert Jenrick and Andrew Rosindell, and amplifies perceptions of discontent within the Conservative ranks, according to BBC, Reuters, and Le Monde.
Braverman criticized her former party for what she termed "Tory betrayal," declaring that Britain is "indeed broken" and its immigration policies are failing. She articulated a stark choice for the future, saying, "We can either continue down this route of managed decline to weakness and surrender, or we can fix our country." Her statements highlight a growing disillusionment with the Conservative Party's promises, particularly regarding immigration control and service provision, as reported by India Times and South China Morning Post.
Her defection also signifies a shift in electoral dynamics, as Reform UK has recently led in opinion polls ahead of both Labour and Conservative parties, indicating a potential for significant political reshuffling ahead of the next scheduled general election in 2029. This political landscape has been shaped by public dissatisfaction with current immigration policies and economic management, according to Reuters, Le Monde, and BBC.
Braverman’s transition is significant, especially considering her previous positions within government, including her role as Attorney General and her short-term as Home Secretary under Liz Truss, where she faced controversies that ultimately led to her dismissal. Her remarks during the rally suggest a broader call for conservative unification around Reform UK principles, echoing sentiments expressed by other defectors and aligning with Farage's long-standing political platform, according to India Times and South China Morning Post.