“I’ve come home”: Suella Braverman quits Conservatives in shock defection to Reform UK

Former UK home secretary Suella Braverman has formally defected from the Conservative Party to Reform UK, delivering a fresh shock to Westminster politics and strengthening Nigel Farage’s right-wing party in Parliament.

Unveiled at a Reform UK rally in London, Braverman confirmed she had resigned her Conservative Party membership of 30 years, telling supporters that joining Reform felt like “coming home”. Her move makes her the third sitting Conservative MP to defect to Reform UK in just eleven days, taking the party’s total number of MPs to eight.

The defection underscores growing turmoil within the Conservatives and signals a continued fragmentation of the UK political right.

A High-Profile Conservative Exit

Suella Braverman has long been regarded as one of the most prominent figures on the right wing of the Conservative Party. An MP since 2015, she held senior legal and cabinet roles under successive prime ministers, including attorney general under Boris Johnson and home secretary under Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.

While her move had been widely speculated, the timing surprised many in Westminster. Nigel Farage announced Braverman’s arrival during an event launching a Reform UK group for military veterans, catching even senior political observers off guard.

Her defection follows recent departures by Robert Jenrick and Andrew Rosindell, reinforcing Reform UK’s claim that it is becoming a new political home for disillusioned Conservatives.

Why Suella Braverman Says She Joined Reform UK

Addressing supporters at the rally, Braverman delivered a stark assessment of Britain’s condition, declaring the country “broken” and arguing that immigration is out of control.

She framed her decision as a choice between what she described as “managed decline” and a chance to “reclaim our power” and “rediscover our strength”. Her rhetoric closely mirrors Reform UK’s core messaging and suggests she will play a prominent role in shaping the party’s policy direction.

Braverman’s speech reinforced the sense that her political priorities now align more closely with Farage’s movement than with the modern Conservative Party.

A Controversial Cabinet Career

Braverman’s time in government was marked by controversy. Appointed home secretary by Liz Truss in September 2022, she resigned just weeks later after sending an official government document via her personal email account.

Despite this, she was reappointed by Rishi Sunak only six days later. However, her second stint ended in dismissal the following year after she wrote a newspaper article accusing the Metropolitan Police of bias in the policing of pro-Palestinian protests in London.

These episodes made her a polarising figure both within Parliament and among the public, contributing to strained relations with Conservative leadership.

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Conservative Party Responds: ‘When, Not If’

The Conservative Party reacted sharply to Braverman’s departure, suggesting her defection was inevitable.

A party spokesperson said it was “always a matter of when, not if” she would leave, adding that she had become increasingly unhappy within the party. The statement also pointed to her failed leadership bid in 2022 and her inability to secure enough support to contest the leadership in 2024.

The comments highlight the deepening rift between Conservative leadership and its right-leaning MPs.

What Braverman’s Move Means for UK Politics

Braverman’s defection is a symbolic victory for Reform UK, boosting its credibility as a parliamentary force and intensifying pressure on the Conservatives ahead of future elections.

For Nigel Farage, recruiting a former home secretary marks a significant step in repositioning Reform as more than a protest party. For the Conservatives, it represents another sign of erosion among senior figures and raises fresh questions about leadership, unity, and electoral strategy.

FAQ

Who is Suella Braverman?

Suella Braverman is a UK Conservative MP and former home secretary who has now defected to Reform UK.

Why did Suella Braverman leave the Conservative Party?

She said Britain is “broken” and believes Reform UK offers a better path on issues like immigration and national sovereignty.

When did Suella Braverman join Reform UK?

She announced her defection at a Reform UK rally in London, becoming the third Conservative MP to defect in eleven days.

How many MPs does Reform UK now have?

With Braverman’s arrival, Reform UK now has eight MPs in Parliament.

What roles did Suella Braverman hold in government?

She served as attorney general under Boris Johnson and home secretary under Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.

Was Suella Braverman controversial as home secretary?

Yes. Her tenure included resignations, reappointments, and dismissal over breaches of conduct and political commentary.

What does this mean for the Conservative Party?

Her departure highlights internal divisions and weakens Conservative unity on the political right.

Will Suella Braverman play a major role in Reform UK?

While no formal role has been announced, her profile suggests she could become a leading figure within the party.