Former Tory Heidi Allen joins Liberal Democrats in fresh boost for Jo Swinson
3 min read
Former Conservative Heidi Allen has become the latest MP to defect to the Liberal Democrats.
The South Cambridgeshire MP - who quit the Tories earlier this year with a blast at their Brexit stance - said she would be "stronger and more effective" as a Lib Dem.
In a statement, Ms Allen confirmed that she would stand at the next election in her current South Cambridgeshire seat, which she first won for the Conservatives in 2015 after being chosen as a candidate through an open primary.
"Beyond a shadow of a doubt, I know that the best way to serve my constituents and country is to join the Liberal Democrats," she said.
"Now is the time to stand shoulder to shoulder with, not just alongside, those I have collaborated and found shared values with.
"Shifting to the extremes, the Conservatives and Labour have turned their backs on the liberal, progressive centre ground our country is crying out for. As we face the monumental task ahead of stopping a damaging Brexit, healing the rifts in society and rebuilding the UK, there is only one party with the honesty, energy and vision to do that – and that is the Liberal Democrats under the leadership of Jo Swinson."
Ms Allen originally left the Conservative fold in March to become the leader of the fledgling Independent Group for Change.
But she quit the bloc after its poor showing in the European elections and amid splits with its other MPs over her calls for an electoral pact between anti-Brexit parties.
She then launched a new 'Unite To Remain' initiative aimed at bringing together MPs opposed to Britain's exit from the EU.
In her statement she added: "My constituency is liberal and inclusive, bursting with innovation – I am so proud to represent it as its Member of Parliament.
"I have been bowled over by the support I have received from every corner of it. My constituents know we are stronger in Europe and they demand better for their country. They know that although there is a terrifying amount of work ahead of us, together, we can build a fairer and more compassionate future for everyone."
Ms Allen is the fourth ex-Conservative to join Jo Swinson's party in recent months, following switches by Sarah Wollaston, Sam Gyimah and Philip Lee.
She is the seventh MP overall to defect to the Lib Dems this year, and her arrival brings the total number of Lib Dem MPs in the Commons to 19.
Ms Swinson said she was "delighted" to welcome the new MP into the fold.
"She has long been an ally in the fight to stop Brexit, and having worked with her I know the energy and passion she will bring to our party," the Lib Dem leader added.
"This once again proves that the Liberal Democrats are the strongest party of Remain. The best deal we have is as members of the European Union, and I look forward to working with Heidi in order to stop Brexit."
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