Natasha Elphicke, Conservative MP, jumps ship to join Labour
Tory MP Natalie Elphicke has switched parties, defecting to Labour just before Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s question session in Parliament. She is the second Conservative MP to defect to the opposition in less than two weeks, following Dr. Dan Poulter. Elphicke, who won her seat in 2019 after her husband resigned due to legal issues, criticized the current government’s failures in areas like small boat crossings and the housing crisis.
Addressing a press conference at Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s office, Elphicke, known for her right-wing views, criticized what she called the “broken promises” of Rishi Sunak’s government. She highlighted concerns about housing and border security as key factors in her decision to switch parties.
She stated that the government, under Sunak, had failed to keep borders secure and fulfill its promises. Elphicke, who had previously announced she would not seek reelection, denied reports of being offered a peerage by Labour. She emphasized her commitment to addressing issues like border security and housing.
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She stressed the need for change and highlighted the failures of the current government under Rishi Sunak, particularly in the areas of border security and housing. She expressed her concerns about the direction the Conservative Party has taken since her election in 2019.
Elphicke’s decision to defect to Labour surprised many, given her previous alignment with the right-wing of the Conservative Party. This move marks the third defection under Rishi Sunak’s leadership, following Lee Anderson’s departure earlier this year.
Amidst growing speculation about further defections, Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Elphicke to the Labour Party during Prime Minister’s Questions. The political landscape remains in flux, with significant shifts in party affiliations and growing uncertainty ahead of the upcoming general election.
Overall, Elphicke’s defection reflects wider dissatisfaction within the Conservative Party and highlights the changing dynamics of British politics in the lead-up to the next election.
