Former Conservative Health Minister Dan Poulter switches party allegiance to Labour
The MP and psychiatrist stated that Labour is the ‘only cure’ to save the struggling NHS and labeled the Conservative Party as ‘a nationalist party of the right.’
Conservative MP and former health minister Dan Poulter has switched to Labour due to Tory “neglect” of the NHS and the party’s “nationalist” shift, putting pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Dr. Poulter, also a working consultant psychiatrist, expressed that he could no longer “look [his] NHS colleagues in the eye,” emphasizing that “the Labour party alone has the will and the trust to restore and reform the NHS.”
The MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich will take the Labour whip until the general election but has decided not to run again.
The Conservative Party countered his statement, arguing that he was incorrect in claiming that only the Opposition could enhance the health service.
Dr. Poulter, in his piece for the Observer, highlighted his experiences during the junior doctors’ strike and the strain the NHS was under, acknowledging previous Labour prime ministers for improving patient care after years of Conservative neglect.
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Dr. Poulter emphasized that “the only cure is a Labour government” and praised Sir Keir Starmer for transforming Labour into a “serious party of government” after Jeremy Corbyn stepped down.
During an interview, the former one nation tory noted that the Conservative Party had evolved into “a nationalist party of the right” following David Cameron’s tenure.
Sir Keir, on X, celebrated Dr. Poulter’s move by stating, “It’s fantastic to welcome Dr. Dan Poulter MP to today’s changed Labour Party.
“I’m really pleased that Dan has decided to join us on this journey.”
Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting expressed excitement to collaborate with the frontline clinician, particularly on mental health reform.
This move is the second defection under Mr. Sunak’s leadership after Lee Anderson left for Reform earlier this year.
This high-profile defection is likely to unsettle Tory MPs and raise questions about Mr. Sunak’s leadership.
There are speculations that disappointing local election results for the Tories could prompt unhappy backbenchers to challenge him or push for an earlier polling day.
Dr. Poulter urged Mr. Sunak to call a general election “as soon as possible” as he left the governing party.
Mr. Sunak has mentioned his intention to hold the election in the second half of the year, potentially in October or November.
Speaking on Sky’s “Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips” programme, the prime minister did not rule out a July election, emphasizing the importance of economic improvements before deciding on a polling day.
Reacting to Dr. Poulter’s move, a Tory Party spokesperson stated: “For the people of Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, this will be disappointing news. What Dan says is wrong as Sir Keir Starmer has no plan for our NHS.
“Under the Conservatives, we are raising NHS funding to a record £165 billion a year, aiding its recovery from the pandemic and implementing its first-ever long-term workforce plan to train the needed doctors and nurses domestically.”
PA Media contributed to this report.
