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Yet Another Conservative Defects to Labour Amidst Growing Tory Exodus


The turmoil ahead of the election is not solely confined to the Tories, as Labour is facing accusations of purging left-wingers from the party.

Another former Conservative MP has switched sides to support Labour, as a wave of resignations hits the Tories before the General Election. Mark Logan, who represented Bolton North East until Parliament was dissolved, left the Conservatives on Thursday. In an interview with the BBC, he cited the drastic changes within the party since he joined a decade ago and expressed his intention to join Labour. He stated, “For my constituents and for the country, it’s right that we get some stability back into the UK, we get optimism, we get new and fresh ideas.”

However, despite his change in allegiance, Logan confirmed in his resignation letter that he will not be standing for re-election but will cast his vote for Labour on July 4.

“I am resigning from the Conservative Party with immediate effect. Regrettably, I will therefore not contest our constituency at the upcoming General Election,” he stated in the resignation letter he shared on social media. He added, “The first time I voted, I voted for Labour. The next time I vote it will be a vote for Labour.”

Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Logan’s decision, emphasizing that voters are looking to Labour for change. In response, the Tories highlighted Logan’s defection to a party he purportedly cannot name a single policy of.

“We wish Mark Logan well with the Labour Party – a party that has no plan for the country and would take us back to square one,” responded a spokesperson.

Other Defections

Natalie Elphicke, another former Conservative MP, also switched sides to Labour earlier this month. Despite previously announcing she would not run for re-election, she made the move to sit among Labour MPs moments before Prime Minister Rishi Sunak began taking questions in Parliament.

Several other Conservative politicians, including Dr. Dan Poulter, Lucy Allan, William Wragg, and Lee Anderson, have also defected to different parties over the past months.

The trend of high-profile defections and resignations extends to the Labour Party as well. With significant internal upheaval and suspensions among MPs, the tumultuous landscape of British politics ahead of the election suggests an uncertain future for both major parties.

Left-Wing ‘Cull’

Notably, veteran Labour politician Diane Abbott accused her own party of conducting a ‘cull’ of left-wingers in preparation for the election. Her claims, which have sparked controversy, underscore the ongoing tensions within Labour as it navigates its electoral strategy.

Despite the turbulent climate and shifting allegiances, both Labour and the Tories are gearing up for a fiercely contested election with significant implications for the future of British politics.

PA Media contributed to this report.



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