Another Tory MP crosses the floor

I just saw this but didn't know he was returning to his previous post- so well done if this is the case.

His skills will be farmmore appreciated in the NHS than they would be propping up a dead political party.

I saw that, and while am all for anyone defecting to the Labour Party, did wonder if it was to save his job come the next election.Also, how can he be a doctor and an MP at the same time?

I am pleased that he is indicating where he thinks the NHS is best served before he steps down.

Of course those with professional qualifications are encouraged to work in their profession part time whilst serving as MPs.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-68913287 short and worth a read.

Respect - he is a psychiatrist in the grossly underfunded Mental Health Sector and his attitude

"Dr Poulter said he could have carried on to the election and then stood down, or triggered a by-election, adding: "I thought on balance, because there's going to be an election very soon, it's better to work for my constituents through to the end of this Parliament."

Conservatives said "Labour has no plans for NHS" but this document has been out for some time

labour.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mission-Public-Services.pdf

His very part time work as a doctor is worthwhile keeping feet on the ground - another MP who does this is Labour shadow cabinet member for Mental Health Rosena Allin-Khan.

Compare it to MP's earning thousands for "consultancies"? these doctors are not doing it for the cash!

He’s continued working for the NHS whilst an MP as I understand it, so he hasn’t defected to Labour to save his NHS career. From what I’ve read he’s a decent man, and he’s acted in accordance with his conscience which is laudable.
I have always felt though that when MPs defect they are effectively resigning the position they were appointed to, and they should stand down and a by-election should be held.

Never heard of him until today. If he thinks the NHS under Labour will be great he should look to the mess Wales is in under Labour. 😉

Primrose53

Never heard of him until today. If he thinks the NHS under Labour will be great he should look to the mess Wales is in under Labour. 😉

You clearly didn’t read his statement Primrose 53.

Yes, the NHS in Wales is in dire straits, particularly mental health services.

Whether that is from lack of funding from Westminster or poor management, I do not know.

Callistemon21

Yes, the NHS in Wales is in dire straits, particularly mental health services.

Whether that is from lack of funding from Westminster or poor management, I do not know.

If you look at empirical studies, the main underlying issue is the poor health state of the nation of Wales, which compares with the most deprived parts of the rest of the UK. So comparing Wales with a region of England with similar population and levels of deprivation gives a more accurate comparison than with England as a whole. Simplistic political management comparisons are completely meaningless.

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Poulter for a few years. A lovely man and popular with staff and patients. I wish him well.

I don't think much of the area I live in would be described as deprived although there are some areas of deprivation but that would compare with parts of England.

A new hospital continues to be of particular concern.
Some other areas have been described as not fit for purpose.

The Labour Government in Wales is failing the NHS too.

Callistemon21

I don't think much of the area I live in would be described as deprived although there are some areas of deprivation but that would compare with parts of England.

A new hospital continues to be of particular concern.
Some other areas have been described as not fit for purpose.

The Labour Government in Wales is failing the NHS too.

It’s the overall picture for an equivalent number of people served that should be the comparitor though, I’m sure there are some lovely areas in, say, the North East of England too. There are lots of failings of NHS Wales, as there are in NHS England, but it’s important to compare like with like. Comparing the 3m population of Wales with high levels of deprivation in that population to the 60m or whatever it is now of England which on average is less deprived isn’t comparing like with like.

A failing new hospital which is causing concern is a failing hospital, no matter the demographic or the Government in charge.

It is not the fault of the staff.

This explains it. It’s a bit out of date, but I doubt much has changed since.
bmjopen.bmj.com/content/6/11/e012750#:~:text=Overall%2C%20England%20and%20Scotland%20had,than%20either%20Scotland%20or%20England.

Callistemon21

A failing new hospital which is causing concern is a failing hospital, no matter the demographic or the Government in charge.

It is not the fault of the staff.

We’re talking about different levels of failure. I don’t think failing hospitals (which occur all over the UK) is the debate here, to my mind this is about whether poor health comparitors is a sign that the government has failed.

While I applaud what he’s done I can’t quite understand why he was a Conservative MP in the first place, given that the parties ongoing dispute with junior doctors ( amongst other things) has been going on for a long time.

Bits more on that here
www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/apr/27/top-tory-mp-defects-to-labour-in-fury-at-nhs-crisis

(He considerers the Conservatives have fundamentally and irrevocably changed since he was first elected 2010.

Wyllow3

Bits more on that here
www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/apr/27/top-tory-mp-defects-to-labour-in-fury-at-nhs-crisis

(He considerers the Conservatives have fundamentally and irrevocably changed since he was first elected 2010.

Thanks. Interesting article.

His crossing to Labour underlines how important the NHS will be in the next election.

I believe doctors have to continue some medical work in order to maintain their registration. It's probably not an option to give up medical work to be a full time MP if the individual wants to return to practice later.

But Brexit was supposed to result in so much money going to the NHS ?

MayBee70

But Brexit was supposed to result in so much money going to the NHS ?

I think that was 'explained' by someone - can't remember who though.

It wasn't a promise, or even an indication of an intent - the figure quoted was just an example of what we could do with all that extra money.

Apparently.

If he thinks the current shower in the Tory Party are ‘nationalist and on the right’, he belongs in an asylum not the Labour Party.

That's good news, but I often wonder why people, such as doctors and teachers, support the Conservative Party anyway. Conservatives have consistently voted for measures that adversely affect the formation of public services/benefits (eg NHS, old age pensions, etc, etc) - or indeed any progressive ideas (eg discrimination laws, etc) so there is more chance of them subverting these things.