Natalie Elphicke's defection to the Conservative Party sparks Labour fury towards Keir Starmer-
Some Labour MPs express bewilderment over Sir Keir Starmer's choice to allow Tory MP Natalie Elphicke to join the Labour Party.
The unexpected departure of the Dover MP from the Conservative party has stirred a spectrum of reactions among her newfound peers, ranging from jubilation to indignation.
Rosie Duffield, the MP for Canterbury, expressed bewilderment on behalf of Labour MPs, characterizing the defection as "quite peculiar."
Meanwhile, a prominent figure within the party celebrated her switch as a significant achievement, labeling it "a remarkable coup."
Sir Keir expressed his satisfaction with her decision, emphasizing his delight and asserting that her defection underscores his party's commitment to the national interest, as he conveyed to reporters.
Multiple sources indicated concerns from Labour's whips regarding her acceptance, yet Labour refutes such claims.
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Typically, when an MP changes parties, their new colleagues greet them with almost unanimous delight. However, the timing of this recent defection, announced just moments before Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, has left some Labour MPs feeling disheartened, betrayed, and taken aback.
In a scathing statement, Ms. Elphicke asserted that the Tories had become synonymous with incompetence and division.
What Ms. Duffield vocalizes publicly in response to the defection echoes sentiments shared by many more in private.
While Ms. Elphicke has aligned her arguments with her new colleagues, particularly in areas like housing, she has previously criticized Labour's policies on various fronts.
She has condemned the party for its approach to taxation, accusing them of excessive levies, and questioned their seriousness in addressing the issue of small boat crossings, a significant concern in her Dover constituency.
In addition to her political positions, numerous Labour MPs feel deeply uneasy about comments she made regarding her then-husband, Charlie Elphicke, whom she succeeded as the Dover MP in 2019.
According to reports from The Sun following his 2020 conviction for sexual assault, she was quoted as suggesting that his attractiveness and attraction to women had made him vulnerable and an easy target.
Since her defection on Wednesday, she has refrained from addressing her previous statements.
Labour stated, "All those matters have been addressed previously, both within Parliament and publicly."
During an interview with BBC Radio Sheffield on Wednesday, Labour MP Sarah Champion remarked that "some of Mrs. Elphicke's defenses of her ex-husband against allegations of sexual abuse" did not align with her personal convictions.
She also expressed finding it "challenging" to welcome former Tory MPs into the party "so close to a general election."
"I believe their policies and ideologies diverge significantly from mine, but I suppose we must deal with the current situation," she elaborated.
Furthermore, she noted that the impending departure of Ms. Elphicke and Dan Poulter from Parliament at the upcoming election would complicate matters, as Labour already has candidates in their respective constituencies.
Conservative MPs have voiced surprise at Ms. Elphicke's defection, with Transport Minister Huw Merriman criticizing her as "shameless" and an "opportunist."
"I'm simply disheartened by her actions and the impact they have on the political landscape," he added.
"Outrageous"
In an interview with BBC South East, fellow Kent MP Ms. Duffield expressed that Labour backbenchers were "deeply perplexed" by the defection.
"I find it to be a rather peculiar decision, and I believe that most Labour backbenchers, and perhaps many Tories as well, are genuinely puzzled by it," she remarked.
Furthermore, she stated firmly, "I do not believe for a moment that she has suddenly adopted the stance of a Labour MP."
Another Labour backbencher, Mick Whitley, condemned her action as "outrageous," emphasizing that Ms. Elphicke does not align with the "values of the Labour movement."
Mish Rahman, a member of Labour's ruling National Executive Committee, expressed his disapproval of Ms. Elphicke's defection, stating that it tarnishes the party's reputation, saying, "the party is descending into a murky state."
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's The World Tonight, Mr. Rahman asserted that Ms. Elphicke has consistently veered away from the center ground throughout her tenure as an MP.
Characterizing the Conservative Party as a "sinking ship," he likened Ms. Elphicke's situation to "swimming in the ocean," attempting to "escape" its sinking fate.
He emphasized that the Labour Party's focus should be on instigating change in the country, rather than preserving the careers of Tory politicians whom the British public has rejected due to the harm they've inflicted on the nation.
"She lacks the suitability to be a member of the Labour Party, let alone hold the position of an MP," he concluded.
Former shadow chancellor under Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell, expressed his astonishment and dismay at her decision.
"I firmly believe in the potential for conversion, but I must admit, even this particular case would have tested the magnanimity of John the Baptist," he shared with LBC.
Nonetheless, Sir Keir aims to maintain attention on the broader scope and assert that Tory defections can exemplify his overarching goal of enticing former Conservative supporters to transition to Labour.
"That's the crux of the matter," remarks a senior Labour representative.
"After all, we've managed to secure the Conservative MP for Dover, amidst the turmoil surrounding small boat crossings. That's quite a significant achievement."
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