SNP MP's Shocking Defection
Dr. Lisa Cameron, an SNP MP, switched to the Conservative Party, prompting calls for a by-election in her East Kilbride, Strathaven, and Lesmahagow constituency. Prime Minister expressed support for her decision.
Cameron's switch to the Conservatives, becoming the first SNP MP to do so, occurred on the same day she was set to face a selection battle in her constituency. In this contest, an SNP minister had backed her opponent, Grant Costello.
Cameron left the SNP's Westminster group due to a "toxic and bullying" culture. She faced backlash for challenging support for Patrick Grady, who had been suspended for inappropriate behavior toward a party staffer.
Cameron, speaking to Scottish Daily Mail, suffered emotionally, needing counseling and antidepressants after defending an abuse victim against an SNP MP. She lost faith in the party's leadership favoring the perpetrator and praised Mr. Sunak's "positive" leadership.
Furthermore, Cameron criticized the SNP's focus on Scottish independence, arguing that it had caused significant division in families, including her own.
In response, Chancellor Rishi Sunak welcomed her to the Conservative Party, appreciating her dedication to disability issues.
During the 2019 election, Dr. Cameron secured 46.4% of the vote as an SNP candidate, with Labour at 22.7% and the Conservatives at 21.2%. Notably, Cameron is a clinical psychologist and had previously served as the SNP's spokeswoman on mental health matters.
Various politicians reacted to Cameron's move. Conservative MP John Lamont extended a warm welcome on Twitter, while Tory MSP Murdo Fraser saw it as a sign of the SNP's internal struggles. Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross anticipated productive collaboration with Cameron and criticized the SNP for its divisions.
Labour's shadow Scottish Secretary, Ian Murray, characterized the move as indicative of the disarray within the SNP, while emphasizing that Labour's focus was on rebuilding the country rather than political division.
In summary, Dr. Lisa Cameron's decision to switch from the SNP to the Conservative Party has brought forth significant reactions in Scottish politics, highlighting the party's internal issues and divisions.
