Local reaction as Suella Braverman defects to Reform UK

Former colleagues of Suella Braverman have given their reaction following her defection from the Conservative Party to Reform UK.

The Fareham and Waterlooville MP was unveiled as the party's latest recruit by leader Nigel Farage at a rally in central London.

Joe Robertson, Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, said that the move was "disappointing", but that it "came as little surprise."

While fellow-Tory Simon Martin, leader of Fareham Borough Council, said that Braverman had assured him as recently as last week she would not defect.

"We had a frank discussion, she assured me she would not be moving and was committed to the Conservative group," said Martin, adding that he was "not impressed" with the news.

"If she feels she needs to do, so be it," he said. "The Conservatives here will be focused on delivering services for Fareham."

Robertson said: "It's appeared obvious to most people that she's been considering making a move for some time," he said.

"We will just crack on holding the government to account and standing up for our constituents."

Speaking at a Reform UK event in central London, Braverman said: "I know there will be some people, particularly in Fareham and Waterlooville Conservatives who will be disappointed about this.

"I will explain my reasons in full later on today."

Residents in Braverman's Hampshire constituency have shared mixed views on her move.

George Thomson, who said he voted for Braverman in the last election, said he thought it was "brilliant."

"It's about time that the country is seeing sense because our whole political system is broken ... good on Suella Braverman for jumping ship," he said.

Marie Hannick also voted for Braverman in the last election, but was less pleased.

"There's too many of them going from Conservative to Reform.

"It's not going to make the Conservatives very good - it's going to cancel out their chances," she said.

"I don't know what's going on, and I don't think Reform will do as well."

Natalie Liff did not vote Conservative in the last election, but said she thought the defection was "disgraceful" and should merit a by-election.

"I think this is terrible because at least Conservatives are better than Reform," she said.

"It's not fair on the constituents and their votes."

Braverman had been a member of the Conservative party for 30 years, and previously served as home secretary in the governments of Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.

She becomes the third sitting Tory MP to join Reform this month, following Robert Jenrick and Andrew Rosindell, and the fourth since the 2024 election.

Her defection brings Reform's current tally of sitting MPs to eight.

Braverman will continue sitting as the MP for Fareham and Waterlooville, representing Reform with immediate effect.