SNP MP Lisa Cameron defects to the Tories after 'toxic' treatment
The East Kilbride MP's decision comes on the day she was facing a selection battle to be the candidate in the west of Scotland seat of East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow.
Last updated 12th Oct 2023
MP Dr Lisa Cameron has quit the SNP and joined the Scottish Conservatives in a dramatic and unprecedented defection.
The East Kilbride MP's change of party comes on the day she was facing a selection battle to be the candidate in the west of Scotland seat of East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow.
The Scottish Daily Mail reported that she had complained of "toxic and bullying" treatment within the SNP.
The MP said she had received support from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after her mental wellbeing deteriorated in recent weeks but no contact from the SNP leadership.
By-election demand from SNP
Responding to news of the defection an SNP spokesperson said:
“The people of East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow will be appalled they are now represented a Conservative and Unionist MP.
“Lisa Cameron should now do the right thing and step down to allow a by-election.
“Her constituents elected an SNP MP not a Tory, and they deserve to have the democratic opportunity to elect a hard working SNP MP who will put the interests of Scotland first. On a personal basis, we wish her well.”
Panic attacks
Earlier, Dr Cameron had said she was a victim of "group bullying" at Westminster and suffered panic attacks as a result.
She claimed she was shunned by other SNP MPs at Westminster after challenging the support given to former chief whip Patrick Grady - who was suspended from the House of Commons and apologised in Parliament after being found to have acted inappropriately towards a party staffer.
Last month, it emerged that a Scottish Government minister had backed another party worker, Grant Costello, who is challenging her to be the next candidate at the general election.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“I am delighted that Lisa Cameron has decided to join the Conservatives. She is a brave and committed constituency MP.
“Lisa is right that we should aim to do politics better, with more empathy and less division and a dedication to always doing what we think is right.
“I look forward to working with her on the disability issues she has championed so passionately in parliament, and on the issues that really matter to her constituent’s in East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow.
“Her decision is a sign that we are the party for those who will make constructive, long term decisions for a brighter future for the whole of the UK.”
Warm welcome
Conservative MP John Lamont posted a "warm welcome" to his new colleague on Twitter, with Tory MSP Murdo Fraser saying: "As the SNP continues to implode, this is another signal that ?@ScotTories are making gains at their expense."
Opposition reaction
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar posted a reaction mocking the defection, saying: "In 2019 they said Vote SNP to get rid of the Tories.
"Now that Labour is set to get rid of the Tories, they join them!"
Labour's Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray MP, added:
“This bizarre move shows that the SNP is falling apart before our eyes.
“The fact is that the SNP and the Tories are two sides of the same coin - putting the cause of division before the needs of the people.
“While the SNP and Tories compete to out-do each other in incompetence, Labour is focused on rebuilding our country and getting Britain its future back.
“Only a Scottish Labour MP will give the people of East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow the fresh start they deserve.”
Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.