Starmer Welcomes Natalie Elphicke After Labour MP Deflects From Conservatives, Defends Decision Despite Backlash

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed Tory MP Natalie Elphicke after she defected from the Conservative party, citing the “broken promises of Rishi Sunak’s tired and chaotic Government.” Elphicke made the dramatic move just moments before Prime Minister’s Questions, crossing the floor in the Commons to join the Labour benches.

In a statement, Elphicke expressed her concerns about housing and the safety and security of the country’s borders as key deciding factors in her decision to switch parties. She joins Dr. Dan Poulter and Christian Wakeford in crossing over to Labour, dealing a humiliating blow to Rishi Sunak.

During a heated exchange in the first face-off since the recent local election results, Sir Keir Starmer criticized the Conservatives for losing nearly 500 council seats. He called the Prime Minister a “dodgy salesman” as he pressed him on issues such as small boat crossings.

Despite backlash from some Labour members, the party is standing behind Elphicke. A Labour spokesperson highlighted the progress the party has made and welcomed Elphicke’s decision to join the changed Labour party. The move has stirred mixed reactions, with some frustrated Labour supporters expressing disappointment on social media.

The defection of Elphicke comes amidst a political landscape filled with tension and shifting allegiances. As the story continues to unfold, the dynamics of party politics in Westminster are evolving, setting the stage for further developments and debates in the days to come.