Top Tory MP defects to Labour in fury at NHS crisis

A Tory MP and former health minister has staged a dramatic defection to Labour, saying the Conservatives have become a “nationalist party of the right” that has abandoned ­compassion and no longer prioritises the NHS.

Poulter said his experiences on more than 20 night shifts over the last year in a severely overstretched accident and emergency department had been “truly life-changing” and persuaded him to defect to the only party he believed was now really committed to investing in improving the NHS.

The Observer understands that discussions between Poulter and senior Labour figures have been going on for many months at the highest levels about the timing and organisation of his likely defection, as well as advisory roles he could play in future in developing the party’s health policies, with the benefit of his firsthand inside knowledge.

Photograph: Anna Gordon/The ObserverThe defection has, however, been kept the tightest of secrets, with only half a dozen people in the party knowing it was coming before the Observer broke the news.

Heavy losses and failure to hold on to key mayoralties such as the West Midlands and Tees Valley are likely to reopen speculation about a possible pre-election leadership challenge to the prime minister.

In the run-up to the next general election, the future of the NHS will be a vital battleground, and Labour is known to be keen to use Poulter’s inside knowledge to maximum effect.