Tory-turned-Change UK MP Sarah Wollaston joins Lib Dems in fight against Brexit

Sarah Wollaston has joined the Liberal Democrats Credit: Peter Byrne/PA

Former Tory MP-turned-Change UK MP Sarah Wollaston has now joined the Liberal Democrats, claiming it was the best way to ensure the UK remains “at the heart of the EU”.

Dr Wollaston, who announced the move late on Wednesday, quit the Conservatives in February over the party's "disastrous handling of Brexit".

The Totnes MP joined what would become the Independent Group for Change, but left that fledgling group in June after its dismal performance in the European Parliament elections.

She now becomes the latest politician to join the resurgent Remain-supporting Lib Dems, following Chuka Umunna's similar pathway from Labour.

Dr Wollaston said: “I believe the best way for me to represent my constituents in Totnes is to be working as part of a fantastic team of Liberal Democrat MPs who are unequivocally making the case for us to remain at the heart of Europe, as well as campaigning for social justice, the environment and our public services.”

This follows the Lib Dems’ success in the Brecon and Radnorshire by-election on August 1, in which Jane Dodds forced out the Tory incumbent MP.

Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson said she was “delighted” to welcome Dr Wollaston.

“We have worked together for many months to fight to stop Brexit and, as one of the most respected Members of Parliament, she brings real expertise to our team,” Ms Swinson added.

“As the strongest party for Remainers, we will lead the to stop Brexit.”

Dr Wollaston struck a blow against Theresa May when she left the Conservatives, to help form independent party Change UK, alongside former Tory MPs Heidi Allen and Anna Soubry.

The MPs who left their own parties to join Change UK in February 2019. Credit: PA

She criticised the Tories’ “shift to the right” of politics, adding: “The final straw for us has been this Government’s disastrous handling of Brexit.

However, after the party’s poor performance at the European elections, Dr Wollaston has followed the footsteps of former Labour MP Chuka Umunna to the Liberal Democrats.

Dr Wollaston, who was first elected in Totnes in 2010, is expected to join Ms Swinson in London on Thursday as she makes her first major fight speech as party leader.