A former Conservative MP who twice lost the Tory whip has joined Reform UK and will take the lead in developing social care policy. Anne Marie Morris was in the Commons from 2010 to 2024 and had the whip removed over her use of the n-word and again when she supported a VAT cut on energy bills.

The Newton Abbot MP was suspended in 2017 by Theresa May for using "completely unacceptable" language in a discussion about Brexit. Ms Morris had described what would happen if there was no exit deal as the n-word "in the woodpile".

She told the BBC: "The comment was totally unintentional. I apologise unreservedly for any offence caused."

Ms Morris had the whip withdrawn again in 2022 when she backed a Labour move to cut VAT on energy bills.

She insisted cutting VAT was the "right thing to do" and said "disagreement over parliamentary procedure will always come second to standing up for the best interests of my constituents".

During her time in Parliament she served on some of Parliament's most powerful committees, including the Health and Social Care committee, the public accounts committee, the Work and Pensions committee and the Treasury committee. As a West Sussex county councillor she chaired the health scrutiny committee.

Her mother worked as a nurse and Reform said many family members have worked as doctors.

Ms Anne Marie Morris explained why she has decided to join Reform, saying: "The country is in a desperate position. I believe now it is Reform UK that offers the vision and leadership Britain so badly needs. I want to play my part in delivering that vision."

Reform UK party chairman David Bull said: "We are delighted to welcome Anne Marie to Reform UK. She brings a wealth of experience with her and will be a crucial part in developing the party's social care policy as we look to build our policy platform ahead of the next general election.

"Anne Marie is just one of many who realise that Reform UK is the only party that can stop this damaging Labour government in its tracks."

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said Ms Morris had used "abhorrent language," adding: "Ms Morris's constituents already made their views clear when they ejected her at the general election in favour of a hardworking local Liberal Democrat champion. The public will view Farage's decision to elevate someone with such an appalling track record to the core of the Reform party with similar contempt."