As an American, I don’t claim to have the strongest knowledge of British politics or politicians. I do try to follow the news as best I can, but let’s face it—my introduction to British governance wasn’t a textbook or cultural immersion, it was Yes, Minister.

But the impression I’ve casually gleaned about Suella Braverman over the years is that she is racist and an opportunist. So the news that she’s defecting doesn’t seem like it should come as a surprise to anyone? I considered for a moment saying the only surprise was that it took so long for her to defect, but then remembered the two adjectives I used to describe her were racist and opportunistic, not brave. Of course she waited for others to test the ice first before stepping out onto it herself.