Wealden LibDems & Sussex For Europe join Westminster demonstration

Members of Sussex for Europe, many of whom are also Wealden LibDems, joined the demonstrations outside the Houses of Parliament yesterday, September 4th, while the drama inside the House of Commons continued.

Less than 24 hours later there's been so much dramatic breaking news from Westminster that it's hard to keep track.

At just after 11am this morning, Luciana Berger, MP for Liverpool Wavertree, announced that she was joining the LibDems in a tweet:

I am very pleased to announce that I have joined @joswinson and the @LibDems, the strongest party to stop brexit, fight for equality and a fairer country.

- Luciana Berger (@lucianaberger) September 5, 2019

This news was greeted swiftly with enthusiasm from LibDems and Remain allies alike who are united in the fight against the right-wing Brexiteers' attempt to force a disastrous No Deal Brexit on the UK against the wishes of the majority of citizens. As LibDem leader Jo Swinson commented shortly after the announcement: "I'm very happy to announce the news that Luciana Berger has just joined the Liberal Democrats! Luciana is a passionate advocate for women's and LGBT+ rights, and she's at the forefront of efforts to counter anti-Semitism and discrimination. I'm delighted to welcome her to the Liberal Democrats, where we can work together to stop Brexit and build a fairer, more equal society for all. Luciana becomes the fourth MP in three months to cross the floor and join the Liberal Democrats. We're thrilled to add her perspective, expertise and skills to our ever-growing parliamentary team. And it's not just MPs. More than two thousand people have become members of the Liberal Democrats just this week - people who are watching the news in horror and have decided they want better than Boris Johnson's Britain."

One such person (though he's not joined the LibDems - yet!) seems to be no other than Tory MP Jo Johnson, who is Boris Johnson's younger brother. Less than 20 minutes after Luciana Berger's announcement, he sent the media into a new frenzy with his own tweet announcing he was stepping down:

It's been an honour to represent Orpington for 9 years & to serve as a minister under three PMs. In recent weeks I've been torn between family loyalty and the national interest - it's an unresolvable tension & time for others to take on my roles as MP & Minister. #overandout

- Jo Johnson (@JoJohnsonUK) September 5, 2019

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson has already made history, though not in the way he was hoping - his four parliamentary defeats (with zero wins) in his first three days as PM since Parliament resumed after the summer recess is an all-time record low.