Dan Poulter: Conservative MP and ex-minister defects to Labour
View: 'It became more and more challenging for me to maintain eye contact with my fellow healthcare professionals in the NHS'
Host, Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday
Ex-Minister and Conservative MP, Dan Poulter, has switched sides and joined the Labour Party.
During an interview on the BBC show Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, the Member of Parliament representing Central Suffolk and North Ipswich shared that he could not continue to be a member of the Conservative party and feel honest in his interactions with fellow colleagues and patients in the National Health Service. The interview was not available to the general public and was given only to the TV program.
According to Dr Poulter, who only works as a doctor part-time, the Conservatives are not prioritizing public services anymore.
The Conservative Party expressed their disappointment regarding the news.
The spokesperson for the party contradicted Dan's statement and insisted that Sir Keir Starmer does not have any proposals for our National Health Service.
"During the Conservatives' leadership, we have dedicated an unprecedented amount of £165 billion annually to the NHS. This funding is assisting in the recovery process of healthcare services that have been impacted by the pandemic. Furthermore, we are also facilitating the implementation of the first-ever long-term workforce plan for the NHS. As a result, we are prioritizing the training of medical professionals ensuring a self-sufficient workforce for our nation's healthcare future."
According to the statement made by Dr Poulter, he plans on remaining a Labour MP until the upcoming general election and subsequently resigning.
It is uncommon for people to leave, and when they do, it can cause harm. Dr. Poulter's criticism of the Conservative party's actions regarding the healthcare system is especially impactful and negative.
The Member of Parliament, who continues to work in NHS wards, stated that he has been contemplating leaving the Conservative party for a few months. He was initially elected in 2010 but the stress on the NHS was the deciding factor for him.
The psychiatrist who worked as a health minister for the coalition between 2012 to 2015, stated to the BBC that he had difficulties facing his NHS colleagues, patients, and constituents honestly due to his concerns.
He proposed that the party is no longer prioritizing public services and mentioned that the party he initially joined appreciated and placed importance on public services. Additionally, he stated that the party had a sympathetic outlook on ensuring support was available for those in society who are less advantaged.
In my opinion, the current position of the Conservative Party is vastly distinct from its past.
The featured image is provided by the Labour Party. --- Rewritten: The Labour Party has graciously supplied the image that is being showcased.
Images showed Dr Poulter signing up to become a member of the Labour party alongside the deputy national campaign coordinator, MP Ellie Reeves.
In different words, the man expressed that he has no ill will towards Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. However, he strongly believed that the nation required a general election at the earliest opportunity. He further stated that he trusts Labour and Sir Keir Starmer to effectively manage the NHS and the country's affairs.
Keir expressed his happiness with Dr. Poulter's choice to join the Labour party. He also stated that it was necessary to put an end to the current disarray caused by the Conservative party and move forward towards a brighter future for Britain.
There is currently no set date for the upcoming general election, but it is required to occur prior to the conclusion of January 2025.
By opting to join the opposition party from the Conservatives, Dr Poulter deals another setback to the prime minister's leadership, adding to the upcoming 2 May local elections in England and Wales.
When questioned about whether his decision would upset the people who chose him as a Conservative representative, Dr. Poulter stated that he had two options: continue serving until the election and eventually step down or call for a by-election. He reasoned that he believed it was more beneficial for his constituents if he finished his term and worked hard for them until the end of the current parliamentary session, given that an election is on the horizon.
This marks the third time in the past two years that a member of the Conservative party has defected.
Last month, Lee Anderson switched from being an independent to joining Reform. Also, Christian Wakeford made a move from the Conservatives to the Labour Party in 2022.
