BBB-Tweede Kamer member Lilian Helder to depart Tweede Kamer

BBB-Tweede Kamer member Lilian Helder announced Monday during a justice debate that she will soon leave the Tweede Kamer. She called this “almost certainly” her final session but did not provide specific reasons for her departure. Later, Helder clarified that “irreconcilable differences” with BBB party leader Caroline van der Plas had been a source of tension “from day one.”

In a press release, the BBB did not address the specific reasons behind Helder’s decision but emphasized the party's focus on her health. "Lilian went home on December 19, the last parliamentary day before the Christmas recess, due to physical complaints," the statement said. "Last week, she reported significant progress and mentioned that she would need additional time to recover. Her decision to leave was not communicated to us in advance."

Reflecting on her decision, Helder expressed regret about continuing her political career with BBB after leaving the PVV. “I had already said my goodbyes,” she said, adding that she ultimately accepted Van der Plas’ request to join the BBB with her "parliamentary experience."

Martin Oostenbrink is expected to replace Helder, according to Henk Vermeer, another BBB-Tweede Kamer member. The 37-year-old civil servant is "ready to start" as soon as Helder formally announces her resignation.

Helder, 51, previously served in the Tweede Kamer as a PVV representative, joining in June 2010. She switched to the BBB in September 2023, just before the elections, where she was placed fifth on the party’s candidate list. At the time, Helder cited "personal and substantive reasons" for not continuing with the PVV.

Justice Minister David van Weel responded to her departure, saying, “Ms. Helder will be missed in these debates due to her substantive contributions.” Van Weel noted that early in the formation of the Schoof cabinet, he participated in debates where substance seemed lacking, but with Helder’s involvement, they were able to have sharp discussions. "That’s certainly been a major added value."

He also humorously referenced the review of the Code of Criminal Procedure, joking, “I didn’t think we would be making headlines with it.” The Justice and Security Committee is currently holding weekly meetings to discuss this significant legislative change, which outlines how authorities should operate in criminal investigations, prosecution, and sentencing.

“You’ve ensured that a whole group of journalists sat in the stands,” Van Weel told Helder. “I hope that, alongside the rightful attention for you, they also focus on the important discussion we’re continuing today.”

Helder was not involved in negotiating the coalition agreement between the PVV, VVD, and NSC. She expressed concern that the new coalition allocated insufficient funds for police and justice, a matter she raised with Van der Plas. "And then the accusation was that I would blow up the party if I refused to sign," Helder said.

“There is little mutual trust within the faction,” Helder said. “Agreements are not being honored, and ad-hoc decisions are being made. We’re getting in each other’s way.”

Vermeer revealed that Helder had not informed the faction in advance about her departure. He also mentioned that she had been home sick for several weeks, noting she had previously dealt with "medical issues" that resurfaced before the Christmas recess. He declined to comment on any internal tensions within the BBB faction.