Poulter, who also works as a mental health doctor in an NHS hospital, announced his resignation as a Tory MP and plans to take the Labour whip until the next election, without seeking re-election.

Dr. Dan Poulter, a former Conservative MP and doctor, has announced his decision to join the Labour Party due to his strong belief in their commitment to investing in the NHS.

He has expressed his intention to advise Labour on mental health policies while continuing his work in the health sector.

Poulter's experiences working late-night shifts in an overstretched emergency department have been "life-changing," and he feels compelled to leave the Conservative Party as he cannot look his colleagues, patients, and constituents in the eye while the government fails to prioritize the NHS.

A senior Labour figure, Ian Poulter, is reportedly set to defect from the Conservative Party and join Labour.

Discussions about his defection and potential advisory roles in health policies have been ongoing for months at the highest levels of Labour, with only a few people aware of the impending move.

Poulter's defection was kept secret until the Observer broke the news.

Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, celebrated the move on social media.