Former Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston has joined the Liberal Democrats, her new party has said.

Ms Wollaston, a former GP, had originally backed Brexit during the referendum campaign before defecting to Vote Remain.

Ms Wollaston later quit the Conservative party in February this year to forge a new pro-Remain alliance, Change UK, since renamed the Indepedent Group for Change (IGC). 

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Her decision to join the LibDems leaves former Tory MP Anna Soubry as one of the few remaining original members of the breakaway IGC. 

Former Labour MP Chuka Umunna has also left the IGC in favour of the LibDems, who are seen as the vanguard for Remain following their strong result in the European parliamentary elections earlier this year.

Dr Wollaston said: "I am delighted to be joining the Liberal Democrats under the leadership of Jo Swinson.

"I believe the best way for me to represent my constituents in Totnes is to be working as part of a fantastic team of Liberal Democrat MPs who are unequivocally making the case for us to remain at the heart of Europe, as well as campaigning for social justice, the environment and our public services."

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Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson, who is MP for East Dunbartonshire, said: "I am delighted to welcome Sarah to the Liberal Democrats.

"We have worked together for many months to fight to stop Brexit and, as one of the most respected Members of Parliament, she brings real expertise to our team.

"The Liberal Democrats are growing - over 30,000 people, alongside Sarah, have joined us since our best ever results in the European Elections in May. As the strongest party for Remainers, we will lead the fight to stop Brexit."