TORY politicians and the Prime Minister have welcomed MP Lisa Cameron into the party following her defection from the SNP.
MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow since 2015, Cameron said in a statement on Thursday morning that her decision was due to a lack of support shown by the party towards her wellbeing, claiming she had been shunned by other SNP MPs.
It comes just hours before Cameron faced deselection in the internal race to be the SNP’s candidate for her current seat at the next General Election.
Senior SNP politicians and members in the local branch had given their support to Cameron’s competitor Grant Costello.
It comes as Labour used the defection to claim the SNP and Tories are “two sides of the same coin”.
Meanwhile, the SNP called on Cameron to stand down and allow a by-election to go ahead.
And now, Rishi Sunak (below) is among Tory parliamentarians in both Westminster and Holyrood to say they are “delighted” by Cameron’s defection.
“She is a brave and committed constituency MP,” the Prime Minister said.
“Lisa is right that we should aim to do politics better, with more empathy and less division and a dedication to always doing what we think is right.
“I look forward to working with her on the disability issues she has championed so passionately in parliament, and on the issues that really matter to her constituents in East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow.
“Her decision is a sign that we are that party for those who will make constructive, long term decisions for a brighter future for the whole UK.”
Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross also heaped praise on Cameron following news she had joined the Unionist party.
“Like many ex-SNP supporters, she has realised that her former party is hopelessly divided under Humza Yousaf and incapable of focusing on the real priorities of the Scottish people,” he said.
“Lisa took a principled stand in supporting the victim in the Patrick Grady case, when her party took the side of the disgraced MP. For doing so, she has been shamefully and inexplicably mistreated by the SNP.
“I look forward to working with Lisa, who recognises the Conservative Party and the Prime Minister are focused on the issues that matter to people in Scotland and across the UK.”
John Lamont (above), Tory MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, wrote on Twitter/X: “A warm welcome to the newest Scottish Conservative MP, Lisa Cameron.
“The @ScotTories will stand up for everyone the SNP ignores.”
Meanwhile, Andrew Bowie, MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine and junior minister, wrote simply: “Welcome Lisa!”
Penny Mordaunt, Tory MP and Leader of the House of Commons, added: “Delighted to welcome Lisa Cameron MP to the @ScotTories @Conservatives this morning.”
Meanwhile, Scottish Tory MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife region Murdo Fraser said: “Wow! Welcome aboard @DrLisaCameron.
“As the SNP continues to implode, this is another signal that @ScotTories are making gains at their expense.”
Labour were also quick to pounce on the news of Cameron’s defection.
Ian Murray MP, said: “This bizarre move shows that the SNP is falling apart before our eyes.
“The fact is that the SNP and the Tories are two sides of the same coin - putting the cause of division before the needs of the people.
“While the SNP and Tories compete to out-do each other in incompetence, Labour is focused on rebuilding our country and getting Britain its future back.
“Only a Scottish Labour MP will give the people of East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow the fresh start they deserve.”
We told how SNP MPs reacted furiously to the news, adding: “This is exactly why the local party wanted her out.”
