Fareham Borough Council leader Simon Martin said: “We feel let down not only with the defection, but also that no prior indication was given to the Conservative group of her intentions. “This lack of consideration particularly hurts the many team members who canvassed on her behalf as a Conservative. ‘While the news of Suella Braverman’s defection to the Reform party is understandably disappointing, especially after very recently providing assurances to the leader of Fareham Borough Council this would not happen, Fareham Borough Council remains a very well-run Conservative led administration. The defection brings Reform’s current tally of MPs to eight. Other recent defections include former chancellor Nadim Zahawi, Sarah Pochin, Nadine Dorris, Jonathan Gullis, and Chris Green.