Yet another Tory MP has announced he is leaving the Party due to lack of NHS support, but this one will especially sting for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Here’s what we know.
Conservative MP’s Defection
At a time when the Conservative Party is at its lowest for decades, another Tory MP has announced their defection to another Party.
Mass Tory Exodus
Over 65 Tory MPs have already resigned ahead of the general election, which is expected to be announced in the Autumn.
Dan Poulter’s Defection
Dan Poulter is the latest Tory MP to switch allegiance ahead of the election, although this one will sting much more than a resignation.
Defecting to the Enemy
Poulter announced that he would be leaving the Tory Party at the end of this government and joining the Labour Party, which looks likely to form the next UK government.
NHS Underfunded
Poulter cited the NHS as his main reason for his defection, claiming the current Tory government is not doing enough to fund it.
Admitting Tory Failure
As a doctor himself, Poulter admitted it was becoming increasingly difficult to look his colleagues in the eye while being a member of the Conservative Party.
Poulter Couldn’t Look Colleagues in the Eye
Poulter said, “I found it increasingly difficult to look my NHS colleagues in the eye,” while explaining what influenced his decision to leave the Party.
Patients and Constituents a Factor
Poulter also insisted that he could no longer look his patients or constituents “in the eye with good conscience.”
Lack of Conservative Care
Poulter admitted that the Conservative Party today is not the same as the one he was elected into in 2010, adding that there is now a lack of care for public services.
Former Health Minister to David Cameron
Poulter was elected into the Party in 2010 before becoming David Cameron’s Health Minister in 2012, but now he admits the Tory Party is no longer the same.
Conservative Party “In a Very Different Place”
Poulter insisted “I think the Conservative party today is in a very different place,” from when he served under Cameron.
Valuing Public Services
Poulter revealed that the party valued public services back then, claiming, “The difficulty for the Conservative party is that the party I was elected into valued public services.”
Comparing With the Old Tory Party
Poulter claimed that the Conservative Party of old had a more “compassionate view” about “supporting the more disadvantaged in society.”
A Blow for Sunak
Now, Poulter insisted that things would improve only under a Labour government, which would have been particularly hard to hear from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Refusing to Trigger a By-Election
Multiple by-elections have been triggered recently due to Tory resignations and scandals, and Poulter was questioned why he didn’t step down immediately to trigger one himself.
Seeing out the End of the Tories
Poulter insisted, “Because there’s going to be an election very soon, it’s better to work for my constituents through to the end of this parliament.”
Tories Lash out at Poulter
The Conservative Party released a statement regarding Poulter’s defection and support for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, calling his decision “wrong.”
“Disappointing” News for the People
According to the Conservative Party, the news is “disappointing” for the residents of Central Suffolk and North Ipswich.
Further Digs at Poulter
The statement also examined Poulter’s work ethic, claiming, “It’s a shame Dan didn’t make more of an effort turning up to parliament to do the work he’s been paid to do if he feels so strongly about our NHS.”
Potential Landslide Defeat
The news of Poulter’s defection only adds to Tory woes ahead of a general election that the Party is predicted to lose to Labour by a landslide.
25 Things You CAN’T Talk About Anymore
Remember the days when you could freely discuss just about anything without fear of sparking controversy? Well, those days are long gone. In today’s hyper-sensitive world, there are topics so fraught with tension that even mentioning them can lead to heated debates and hurt feelings. 25 Things You CAN’T Talk About Anymore
Stranded: 15 Worst British Cars in History
Ever had a car that spent more time with the mechanic than on the road? A car that turned every journey into a game of “Will we actually get there?” If so, you might just see a familiar face (or should we say, chassis) in our countdown to the most unreliable British car in history. Stranded: 15 Worst British Cars in History
“Britain Will Become Unrecognizable” – Suella Braverman Spells Disaster for UK Amid Steep Rise in Visas Issued
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has warned that Britain will become “unrecognizable,” criticizing the amount of work visas the Home Office has approved, despite only being removed from her role in November. “Britain Will Become Unrecognizable” – Suella Braverman Spells Disaster for UK Amid Steep Rise in Visas Issued
20 Things From the ‘70s That Are Not OK Today
Step into the time machine and set the dial to the 1970s, a decade of disco, bell-bottoms, and some rather questionable choices. While the ’70s gave us iconic music and groundbreaking TV, not everything from this groovy era would get a green light today. 20 Things From the ‘70s That Are Not OK Today
20 Best and Worst Universities in the UK
Navigating the UK university landscape is like deciphering a complex code of rankings, reviews, and reputations to uncover where you’ll not just learn, but truly flourish. Whether you’re drawn to the historic halls of Oxford or the creative buzz of Goldsmiths, finding your perfect fit is about aligning your aspirations with the unique offerings of each institution. 20 Best and Worst Universities in the UK
The post Sunak Hit Hard: Another Tory Walks Over NHS Concerns first appeared on Edge Media.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ink Drop.
Oscar Davies, an expert in US and UK politics and sports, is renowned for his sharp and engaging writing style, appealing to a broad spectrum of readers.