SNP MP defects to Conservatives over 'bullying' in Westminster group

An MP has defected from the SNP to join the Conservatives amid accusations of “toxic and bullying” treatment from Westminster colleagues.

Dr Lisa Cameron, the MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow, who was first elected in 2015, criticised her treatment by the SNP and its leadership after she spoke out about her colleague, Patrick Grady.

Mr Grady was suspended from the House of Commons for two days last year after he was found to have made an “unwanted sexual advance” to a member of party staff in 2016.

Dr Cameron said she was mistreated by her party after speaking in support of the complainant.

The MP said that she received support from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in recent weeks after opening up about the deterioration of her mental health that led to her being put on antidepressants.

However, she claimed she had received no contact from the SNP leadership.

In response, the SNP said constituents “will be appalled” at the move and are calling for her to step down.

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In a statement, Dr Cameron said: “I do not feel able to continue in what I have experienced as a toxic and bullying SNP Westminster group, which resulted in my requiring counselling for a period of 12 months in parliament and caused significant deterioration in my health and wellbeing as assessed by my GP including the need for antidepressants.

“I will never regret my actions in standing up for a victim of abuse at the hands of an SNP MP last year, but I have no faith remaining in a party whose leadership supported the perpetrator’s interests over that of the victim’s and who have shown little to no interest in acknowledging or addressing the impact.

“It is also true that I have received no contact from party leadership in the past weeks, despite members of every other main political party contacting me to offer support and compassion during what has been an extremely difficult time.

“I am particularly grateful to the prime minister in valuing my continued contribution to parliament as a health professional and in taking time to listen. It is the first time I have felt heard and shows positive, inclusive leadership in contrast to that which I have encountered in the SNP at Westminster over many years.”

The SNP hit out at Dr Cameron and are calling for her to quit to allow for a by-election.

A spokesperson for the party said: “The people of East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow will be appalled they are now represented by a Conservative and Unionist MP.

“Lisa Cameron should now do the right thing and step down to allow a by-election.

“Her constituents elected an SNP MP not a Tory, and they deserve to have the democratic opportunity to elect a hard-working SNP MP who will put the interests of Scotland first.

“On a personal basis, we wish her well.”

Dr Cameron also hit out over the “division” caused by the Scottish independence debate.

The SNP are due to hold a party conference in Aberdeen between 15-17 October, where the topic of independence will be discussed.

The MP said she will instead focus on policies that benefit the four nations of the UK.

She said: “Families like mine experienced significant division regarding the issue of independence. This has taken its toll and I have come to the conclusion that it is more helpful to focus my energies upon constructive policies that benefit everyone across the four nations of the UK, and to move towards healing these divisions for the collective good.

“Being in the SNP has been bad for my health. I will be taking time as advised to recuperate and will continue as always to focus upon serving my constituents.”

The MP added that she was looking forward to supporting the prime minister.

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Mr Sunak said he was “delighted” Dr Cameron had decided to join the Conservatives.

He said: “She is a brave and committed constituency MP.

“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 the party for those who will make constructive, long-term decisions for a brighter future for the whole of the UK.”

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross said he was also looking forward to working with Dr Cameron.

He added: “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.

“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.”

Labour MP Rosie Duffield showed her support for Dr Cameron.

Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, she said: “Much love to my friend Dr Lisa Cameron who has had a really tough time.”

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Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who is running high after his party’s recent by-election win in Rutherglen and Hamilton West, said change is needed across the whole country.

Posting on X, he said: “In 2019 they said vote SNP to get rid of the Tories. Now that Labour is set to get rid of the Tories, they join them! It’s why we need change in Scotland and across the UK!”

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Ian Murray MP, Labour’s shadow Scottish secretary, said the constituents “have been let down by a SNP MP who has shown her true colours”.

He added: “On Monday, while the new Labour MP Michael Shanks will be taking his oath on behalf of his constituents, Lisa Cameron will be crossing the floor to join the Tories.

“It’s clearer than ever – vote SNP, get Tory or vote Labour and get the change our country deserves.”

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