Natalie Elphicke's defection from the Tories to Labour has sparked controversy, with Keir Starmer facing criticism from Rishi Sunak and unions. Despite her absence at a PLP meeting, the chair described it as positive. Various figures, including Jo Phillips and Johnny Mercer, have criticized Elphicke's move, questioning her political judgment. Starmer's decision to accept Elphicke into Labour has been labeled 'grubby' by some. Former Labour adviser John McTernan sees Elphicke's defection as beneficial for Labour, as it led to a government defeat on new proposals. The defection has raised questions about Starmer's strategy in accepting defectors like Elphicke.
Spoke to a former NW Tory Councillor yesterday who is considering joining my local team. Great to see the appeal of Labour under the current leadership. Looking forward to find out if all the rumours of another parliamentary defection are true today. https://t.co/Ky4799sRO3
“What are you going to do, slam the door in her face and say we’re not interested in ex-Tories?” Peter Mandelson is “intensely relaxed” about Natalie Elphicke defecting to Labour. 🗳️ How To Win An Election 🎧 https://t.co/5ZmdO6MNdL @MattChorley @PollyMackenzie @Dannythefink https://t.co/HZakjvT93Y
Who's Keith @Keir_Starmer going to welcome as Britain's Next Labour Tory Defector @ this week's #PMQs?
Former Labour adviser @johnmcternan says Labour "should be pleased" with defector Natalie Elphicke, as her vote meant the government was defeated on new proposals about how to treat MPs accused of serious offences. #PoliticsHub https://t.co/GlTNastFii 📺 Sky 501 https://t.co/WWqcK5uomO
My @theipaper column is on defectors - Winston Churchill (twice), Quentin Davies (allegedly producing sartorial alarm among his colleagues) and now Dan Poulter and Natalie Elphicke. Was Starmer right to accept them? Obviously yes, it's effective politics: https://t.co/fqbV1xUBcm
📻 Why did Starmer think #NatalieElphicke was a good fit for his party? 📻 How come the allegations against her only surfaced when she joined #Labour ? @AdamBienkov @brokenbottleboy join @GoldbergRadio From @BylineTimes https://t.co/QdZ5whL5hR
"There are a number of painful and probably fatal things I'd rather do than defect to the Labour Party." Keir Starmer's acceptance of Natalie Elphicke into Labour is "grubby" says @JohnnyMercerUK speaking to @JPonPolitics on #TimesRadio 📻 https://t.co/GhxziUHKt0 https://t.co/zxYbVWR06s
'On so many levels it so inconceivably stupid! Natalie Elphicke doesn't bring anything to the Labour Party besides baggage and lots of people will be questioning his political judgement.' Jo Phillips reacts to Natalie Elphicke's Labour defection. https://t.co/DOFJLDWSQM
'On so many levels it so inconceivably stupid! Natalie Elphicke doesn't bring anything to the Labour Party besides baggage and lots of people will be questioning her political judgement.' Jo Phillips reacts to Natalie Elphicke's Labour defection. https://t.co/bmpvfQlE1k
PLP ends after 23 minutes. Natalie Elphicke was a no-show. I ask PLP chair John Cryer: “Are you disappointed?” He says: “No.” “Why not?” I ask. “It was a very good meeting,” he says, grinning. Labour front bencher tells reporters her defection wasn’t raised!
Keir Starmer under attack from all sides over Natalie Elphicke's defection from Tories to Labour as Rishi Sunak brands him 'unprincipled' and unions slam her for blaming deaths on striking firefighters https://t.co/huOXYUi9a4 https://t.co/PyXZUWCiL3