Fareham voters react to Suella Braverman's move to Reform UK

Local residents in Fareham gave mixed responses after Suella Braverman announced she had left the Conservative Party to join Reform UK; some said they would still support her while others expressed disappointment and concern.

Suella Braverman made a surprise appearance at a Reform UK event in London this week and announced she had left the Conservative Party to join Reform. She has been MP for Fareham and Waterlooville since 2015 and served as home secretary from 2022 to 2023. Fareham is a long-standing Conservative constituency and the change has drawn local attention. Residents and local officials gave a range of reactions, from continued support to disappointment over the way the announcement was handled. Local reactions: - Braverman announced her defection to Reform UK at a public event in London. - Some local supporters said they would still back her and view her as aligned with Reform's positions. - Other residents criticised the move and said they were alarmed or felt let down by her approach to constituency concerns. - Local Conservative figures, including the council leader and association chair, said they were surprised and disappointed that they were not informed beforehand. Summary: The defection has highlighted divisions in Fareham between voters who prioritise the individual MP and those uneasy about her party change. Undetermined at this time.