Ex-SNP MP Lisa Cameron crosses floor to Tory benches flanked by Theresa May and Douglas Ross

The former SNP MP who defected to the Conservatives has taken a seat among her new party colleagues in the House of Commons for the first time.

Lisa Cameron was spotted on the Tory benches between former prime minister Theresa May and Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross during PMQs on Wednesday.

Lisa Cameron left the SNP last week just hours ahead of the reselection meeting for her East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow constituency.

Theresa May, Lisa Cameron and Douglas Ross in the top left in the House of Commons during PMQs. UK Parliament

She faced a challenge from SNP staffer Grant Costello.

Announcing her decision to change parties, she accused the SNP Westminster group of “toxic and bullying” treatment.

She said she felt “fear and intimidation” after defending the teenager who was the victim of unwanted sexual advances by SNP MP Patrick Grady.

Since her defection, she said she has been forced to move her children out of her family home after receiving “abuse and threats”.

Cameron claimed the treatment by colleagues resulted in her being prescribed anti-depressants and receiving counselling.

Humza Yousaf has said she should do the “honourable thing” and resign, adding that he was confident his party would win a by-election.

After joining the Tories, Cameron said she has changed her views on independence and that she no longer felt the Scottish Government was being run competently.

Yousaf said: “To see somebody who claims to have supported Scottish independence cross the floor to the Conservative and Unionist Party betrays the fact that she probably never believed in the cause in the first place.”

Our comment on this morning's news that Lisa Cameron has joined the Tories: pic.twitter.com/DllAYuurfB
— East Kilbride SNP (@EK_SNP) October 12, 2023

Cameron said she had received support from Rishi Sunak in recent weeks after she opened up about the deterioration of her mental health.

The Prime Minister said he was “delighted” about the former SNP MP’s decision to join the Tories.

He said: “She is a brave and committed constituency MP. Lisa is right that we should aim to do politics better, with more empathy and less division and a dedication to always doing what we think is right.

“I look forward to working with her on the disability issues she has championed so passionately in parliament, and on the issues that really matter to her constituent’s in East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow.

“Her decision is a sign that we are the party for those who will make constructive, long term decisions for a brighter future for the whole of the UK.”