Suella Braverman Defects to Reform UK, Becomes Eighth MP to Join Party

She also took a critical stance on pro-Palestine protests following the October 7th attacks in Israel, and after being sacked, she returned to the backbenches.

Beyond the controversy surrounding her departure, Braverman has been an outspoken critic of the Conservative Party, claiming it is succumbing to weakness and surrender.

She further claims that the Tories would never withdraw the UK from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), even with a victory in the next election. Braverman stated she was 'sacked' and 'punished' for 'telling the truth'.

Nigel Farage has claimed that Braverman's previous policy failures were constrained by the ECHR.

Reform UK's parliamentary group now includes Nadhim Zahawi, Lee Anderson, Sir Jake Berry, and Marco Longhi, in addition to Jenrick and Braverman.

The party aims to present itself as a champion for veterans, according to Nigel Farage.

Meanwhile, a petition signed by over 100,000 people demanding automatic by-elections when MPs switch parties highlights public sentiment regarding party loyalty and representation.

Robert Jenrick represents Newark, and Andrew Rosindell is the sitting MP for Romford, though their party affiliation has now changed.

A Conservative Party spokesman commented that Braverman's departure was inevitable, suggesting she was unhappy within the party. He dismissed her feeling at home with Reform UK as false.

Kemi Badenoch suggested Farage might run out of incentives to attract defecting MPs, characterizing Reform UK as a potential 'dumping ground for difficult Tories'.

Anna Turley, Labour's chairwoman, claimed the Conservative Party tolerates the least desirable elements among its members. Daisy Cooper, the Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, noted Braverman's previous dismissals from government.

There are suggestions that further Conservative MPs might consider defecting to Reform UK, though an anonymous source indicated the tide of defections could potentially be stemmed.

Danny Kruger stated that the Conservative Party is effectively over as a national political force. Nadhim Zahawi expressed a belief that Britain needs Nigel Farage as prime minister.

Braverman's political platform includes strong criticism of immigration, which she claims is out of control and contributing to public services being 'on their knees'. She asserts that people no longer feel safe.

She has also claimed that some demonstrators have ties to terrorist organizations, including Hamas.

While there are claims that she would seek to remove key protections for migrant rights, the specific protections Braverman intends to remove are not detailed.