Shock Defection: SNP MP Lisa Cameron Joins Tories Amid Selection Battle
Lisa Cameron Quits SNP Over ‘Toxic’ Westminster Culture
In a stunning political U-turn, Lisa Cameron, the MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven, and Lesmahagow, has ditched the Scottish National Party (SNP) to join the Conservatives. The move comes as she faced a tough selection fight to stay on as the SNP candidate in the next general election.
Cameron slammed the SNP’s Westminster group as “toxic,” citing this as her main reason for the defection. Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak quickly welcomed her to the Conservative fold.
SNP Calls for Cameron to Resign as Tory MP Takes Seat
The SNP hit back, urging Cameron to step down and trigger a by-election, arguing her constituents would be “appalled” to be left with a Tory MP. A party spokesperson voiced personal well-wishes but stood firm on their political objections.
Rishi Sunak Praises Cameron as Brave and Committed
Rishi Sunak hailed Cameron’s defection as a brave move. He praised her as a “brave and committed” MP and called for more empathy and unity in politics, emphasising the need to “do what is right.”
MP’s Mental Health and Independence U-Turn
Dr Cameron, a former NHS clinical psychologist, revealed her mental health had taken a hit in recent weeks. She credited support from Sunak but complained of no contact from SNP leadership. She also turned her back on Scottish independence, branding it “divisive” and promising to focus on “constructive policies.”
This defection follows Cameron’s outspoken criticism of the SNP’s handling of abuse allegations against former SNP chief whip Patrick Grady, which she says led to her being “ostracised.” She had hinted she might trigger a by-election if denied SNP nomination.
The drama climaxed as Cameron was due to learn the results of her selection contest this Thursday, where she faced party insider Grant Costello. Her switch to the Tories shakes up the political scene in East Kilbride, Strathaven, and Lesmahagow.
