Top Tory MP Dr. Dan Poulter Defects to Labour, Citing Conservative Party’s Shift to the Right
In a surprising move, Dr. Dan Poulter, the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, has defected from the Conservative Party to join Labour. The top Tory MP, who also works part-time as a mental health doctor in the NHS, cited the Conservatives’ shift towards nationalism and neglect of public services as reasons for his departure.
Dr. Poulter, who will not stand at the next election, expressed his concerns about the Conservative Party’s lack of focus on public services, stating that the party he was elected into valued public services and had a compassionate view towards supporting the disadvantaged in society. He emphasized that his experiences working in an overstretched A&E department had been “truly life-changing” and had led him to defect to Labour.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Dr. Poulter to the party, describing his defection as a “fantastic” boost to their efforts to unseat the Conservatives. Dr. Poulter expressed his belief that Labour is the only party committed to investing in improving the NHS, and he hopes to advise the party on mental health policies while continuing his work in the NHS.
This defection comes as a blow to the Conservative Party, with high-level discussions reportedly ongoing for months between Dr. Poulter and senior Labour figures regarding his defection. The move also adds to the pressure on current Conservative leader Rishi Sunak, who is facing potential challenges within his own party ahead of the upcoming general election.
Dr. Poulter’s decision to join Labour highlights the growing divide within the Conservative Party and the shifting political landscape in the UK. His focus on public services and commitment to improving the NHS align with Labour’s priorities, making his defection a significant development in the lead-up to the next election.