Former Labour MP Luciana Berger has joined the Lib Dems, calling it “the strongest party to stop Brexit”.
The Liverpool Wavertree MP was first elected as a Labour MP in 2010, but quit the party to form Change UK earlier this year after becoming a target for anti-Semitic abuse.
She then left Change UK in June to sit as an independent.
Announcing her move on Thursday, Berger praised the Lib Dems for being “unequivocal” about wanting to stop the UK leaving the EU.
“This is a moment of national crisis. The Liberal Democrats are unequivocal in wanting to stop Brexit and are committed to securing Britain’s future as a tolerant, open and inclusive society.
“I am joining Jo Swinson and the Liberal Democrats today, in the national interest, to offer a vital, positive alternative to Johnson and Corbyn and help build a future that our country deserves.”
Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson said she was “delighted” that Berger was joining the party’s ranks, calling her “a passionate advocate for women’s and LGBT+ rights” and someone at the forefront of efforts to tackle anti-Semitism and discrimination.
“Luciana becomes the fourth MP in three months to cross the floor and join the Liberal Democrats,” Swinson said. “We’re thrilled to add her perspective, expertise and skills to our ever-growing parliamentary team.”
The announcement comes just two days after Tory MP Phillip Lee defected from Boris Johnson’s party to join the Lib Dems, crossing the Commons while the PM gave a speech on Tuesday.