tre of Britain’s political right. The defection marks a significant development for Reform UK, a party led by Brexit campaigner and political veteran Nigel Farage, which has steadily attracted high profile figures from the Conservative ranks. Braverman becomes at least the third senior Conservative MP to switch allegiance in recent weeks, following Robert Jenrick and Andrew Rosindell, underscoring internal tensions within the Conservative Party following its recent electoral setbacks and leadership upheaval. In her remarks, Braverman did not hold back in her criticism of the Conservative leadership under Kemi Badenoch. She argued that the party had utterly failed to deliver on key promises particularly on immigration and national security and had lost its way. Britain is indeed broken she said, asserting that immigration was out of control, public services were struggling, and the nation faced a crossroads. Braverman confirmed she would represent her constituency as a Reform UK MP with immediate effect. At the event, she reiterated her belief in Reform UK’s mission, asserting that it offered a clearer and more consistent vision for Britain’s future than her former party. She praised Farage as someone courageously consistent in his political stance. Nigel Farage welcomed Braverman’s decision, hailing her as a significant addition to the party’s parliamentary ranks. Her defection brings Reform UK’s tally of sitting MPs to eight, a notable increase that reflects the party’s growing profile ahead of future elections. The move has prompted swift reactions across the political spectrum. Labour Party officials criticised Braverman’s record, with Labour chair Anna Turley describing the defection as evidence of Farage’s willingness to embrace what she termed “the very worst of the Conservative Party.” Liberal Democrats also attacked the move, highlighting controversies during Braverman’s tenure in government. The Conservative Party initially issued a statement referencing concerns about Braverman’s wellbeing, suggesting she had been “unhappy.” However, that language was quickly withdrawn following public backlash and replaced with more measured comments, as critics condemned the use of mental health as a political talking point. Suella Braverman, a barrister by training, first entered Parliament in 2015 and rose to prominence within the Conservative Party as a staunch Eurosceptic. She served as Home Secretary under prime ministers Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, and was instrumental in shaping some of the party’s toughest immigration and border policies. Her tenure was marked by controversy, including an enforced resignation and reinstatement after breaching the ministerial code, and later removal following contentious public remarks. Her defection to Reform UK reflects broad ideological realignments within UK politics, as well as the continuing fragmentation on the right of the political spectrum. Whether this strategic gamble will strengthen Reform UK’s electoral prospects remains a pivotal question as Britain approaches its next general election cycle. Source: Reuters