Amid critical Brexit debate, Conservative MP defects to Liberal Democrats
by Rob Beschizza from on (#4PGZH)
Here's a perfect frame from the UK parliament's video feed. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Secretary of State Andrea Leadsom and Home Secretary Sajid Javid are realizing one of their MPs is crossing the aisle to defect to the Liberal Democrats, costing the Conservatives their parliamentary majority.
Conservative MP Phillip Lee has defected to the Liberal Democrats ahead of a showdown between Boris Johnson and Tory rebels over Brexit.
Dr Lee, the MP for Bracknell, took his seat on the opposition benches as the PM addressed the Commons.
His defection means Boris Johnson no longer has a working majority in the House of Commons.
He said the government was "pursuing a damaging Brexit in unprincipled ways... putting lives and livelihoods at risk".