Sarah Wollaston MP joins the Lib Dems
Dr Sarah Wollaston, MP for Totnes, has today joined the Liberal Democrats, becoming the party's 14th MP in the House of Commons and further strengthening the Lib Dems in their fight against Brexit.
Sarah's decision to join came after discussions with the party nationally and locally, about how best to stop the Government's disastrous No Deal Brexit strategy. She has held the Totnes seat since 2010.
Commenting, Liberal Democrat MP Wollaston said "I'm delighted to be joining the Liberal Democrats and look forward to working with the local party and particularly with your MEP Caroline Voaden in making the unequivocal case for Britain to remain at the heart of Europe. I know that working as part of a team of great Liberal Democrat MPs under the leadership of Jo Swinson I can best campaign for the interests of our rural and coastal communities.
Leader of the Liberal Democrats Jo Swinson said "I am delighted to welcome Sarah to the Liberal Democrats. We have worked together for many months to fight to stop Brexit and, as one of the most respected Members of Parliament, she brings real expertise to our team.
"The Liberal Democrats are growing - over 30,000 people, alongside Sarah, have joined us since our best ever results in the European Elections in May. As the strongest party for Remainers, we will lead the fight to stop Brexit."
Caroline Voaden, Lib Dem MEP for South West England and Gibraltar and parliamentary candidate for Totnes, said: "I'm excited to welcome Sarah to the Liberal Democrats. Her decision emphasises that the Lib Dems are now undoubtedly the party of remain in the UK and I look forward to working with Sarah, as MEP and MP, to fight Brexit.
"Political affiliations are changing. Old tribal loyalties are shifting as we face a national crisis. Sarah has long been a committed campaigner against Brexit and the damage it will do to our communities, and I welcome the opportunity to work with her."
Alan Kerr, Chair of the local party, said "It is great news that Sarah Wollaston has decided to join us. The Liberal Democrats both locally and nationally, are the leading party campaigning for a People's Vote and for Remain. Sarah shares our objectives. By joining us, we can campaign even harder against the existential threat to our economy, our prosperity - and our country - that is this government's Brexit policy."