Dan Poulter, a former U.K. health minister, has left the Conservative Party and joined the liberal Labour Party due to his concerns about the Tories’ lack of focus on the healthcare system. Poulter, who still practices medicine, believes that the health service is no longer a priority for the Tories, leading to increased strain on the front line and a decline in patient care.
Poulter stated that he believes the only solution is to elect a Labour government, calling on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to hold general elections as soon as possible. His endorsement of Labour party leader Keir Starmer is seen as a significant blow to Sunak, as Poulter is the second member to defect under his leadership. Earlier this year, former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson also left the party for the right-wing populist Reform party.
This decision by Poulter does not bode well for the Tories, who are already struggling in the polls. The shift in support from a former health minister highlights concerns within the Conservative Party about their approach to the healthcare system. Poulter’s move to the Labour Party could have implications for the upcoming elections and future government policies.
Poulter’s decision comes after months of frustration with what he sees as an inadequate response from his former colleagues to issues facing NHS staff and patients alike.
“I can no longer stand by and watch my colleagues ignore these problems,” said Poulter in a statement announcing his departure.
“The Conservative Party has lost sight of its core values when it comes to healthcare,” he added.
Poulter’s move is likely to be seen as another setback for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who has been trying to rebuild trust with voters following his predecessor Boris Johnson’s resignation earlier this year.
Labour leader Keir Starmer welcomed Poulter’s decision and said it showed that there were “growing discontent within Conservative ranks.”
“We are committed to fighting for better healthcare funding and accountability,” said Starmer.
The decision by Poulter could have implications for upcoming elections and future government policies regarding healthcare reforms.