"Suella's defection shows a lack of consideration" as calls for byelection after her defection grow

It comes as political opponents continue to call for the MP to step down and hold a by-elections so that the voters can decide if they support her decision.

Fareham Borough Council leader Simon Martin said: “We feel let down not only with the defection, but also that no prior indication was given to the Conservative group of her intentions.

“This lack of consideration particularly hurts the many team members who canvassed on her behalf as a Conservative.

‘While the news of Suella Braverman’s defection to the Reform party is understandably disappointing, especially after very recently providing assurances to the leader of Fareham Borough Council this would not happen, Fareham Borough Council remains a very well-run Conservative led administration.

“We have a proven record of serving our residents effectively, and that record has been built over many years through stability, sound decision making, and a clear focus on the interests of the people we represent.”

Mrs Braverman, who was only elected to the new-look constituency in 2024 having previously been elected as the MP for Fareham in the 2015 general election, announced the news at a Reform party rally.

She said she had resigned her Tory membership of 30 years, adding: “I feel like I’ve come home.”

She becomes the fourth sitting Tory MP to join the party since the last election, and the third this month, alongside Robert Jenrick and Andrew Rosindell.

Meanwhile, the Fareham Liberal Democrats have submitted a formal motion to Fareham Borough Council calling on the Leader of the Council to write to Ms Braverman urging her “to do the honourable thing and stand down so voters can decide”

The Liberal Democrat opposition leader Cllr David Hamilton has written to the council leader Simon Martin asking him to send the letter to Ms Braverman immediately — rather than waiting until the full council on February 20 to debate the issue.

Cllr Hamilton has also written directly to Ms Braverman himself, pressing her to resign and allow the electorate of Fareham and Waterlooville to have their say.

He said: “When every political group on Fareham Borough Council agrees that the MP should stand down, there is no justification for delay. The Council Leader is free to write to her now — and he should.”

“People are angry because they feel betrayed. You vote for the individual, yes — but in practice many people vote for the party and the programme put in front of them. That is the reality of modern politics.”

Ms Braverman has ruled out a by-election, despite Reform finishing fourth in the 2024 local election.

Cllr Hamilton added: “If she truly believed she had the confidence of voters under a new banner, she would test it. The fact she has ruled out a by-election tells you everything.”

The defection brings Reform’s current tally of MPs to eight. Other recent defections include former chancellor Nadim Zahawi, Sarah Pochin, Nadine Dorris, Jonathan Gullis, and Chris Green.