Tory MP Lisa Cameron faces backlash after defecting from SNP

Why did Lisa Cameron leave the SNP?

Lisa Cameron was the SNP MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow since 2015.
She announced her intention to join the Conservatives last week, citing a “toxic culture” within the SNP group at Westminster.
She said she felt “isolated” and “intimidated” by her former colleagues, especially after she defended a teenage victim of sexual harassment by Patrick Grady, an SNP MP who resigned in June.
She also said she had no faith in the SNP leadership, who supported the perpetrator’s interests over the victim’s.

Lisa Cameron said she had received a “torrent of abuse” and threats from angry SNP supporters and members.
She said she had been forced into hiding with her family after receiving emails about being “bricked in the street”.
She said she was shocked and saddened by the level of hostility and violence directed at her.
She appealed for calm and respect, saying that everyone has the right to change their political views.

The SNP dismissed Lisa Cameron’s claims of a toxic culture as “unsubstantiated” and “baseless”.
The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Lisa Cameron’s constituents would feel “deeply let down” by her actions and that she should resign.
The SNP said Lisa Cameron had betrayed the trust of the voters who elected her on a pro-independence, centre-left platform.
The SNP said Lisa Cameron had joined a party that was responsible for austerity, Brexit, and immigration crackdowns.

The Conservatives welcomed Lisa Cameron to their party, saying she was a “principled” and “courageous” politician.
The Conservative leader Douglas Ross said Lisa Cameron had shown “great bravery” in standing up to the SNP’s bullying and intimidation.
The Conservatives said Lisa Cameron had recognised the benefits of being part of a strong United Kingdom that delivers for Scotland.
The Conservatives said Lisa Cameron had joined a party that was committed to levelling up, investing in public services, and creating jobs.

Lisa Cameron’s defection is a rare and dramatic event in British politics, as MPs rarely switch parties mid-term.
Lisa Cameron’s defection reduces the SNP’s majority in Westminster from 47 to 46 seats, while increasing the Conservatives’ from 364 to 365 seats.
Lisa Cameron’s defection could have an impact on the next General Election, which is expected to be held in autumn next year.
Lisa Cameron’s defection could also affect the prospects of a second independence referendum, which the SNP has been pushing for.