Natalie Elphicke, the Conservative MP for Dover, has defected to the Labour Party, citing disillusionment with the Conservative leadership under Rishi Sunak and their stance on key issues such as border security and broken election promises. Her move has sparked a range of reactions. Labour leader Keir Starmer welcomed her, highlighting her alignment with many Tory voters who feel the Conservative Party has shifted away from the center. However, the decision has not been universally well-received within Labour, with some MPs expressing significant concerns about her past positions, including her controversial support for her sex offender ex-husband, and the potential impact on the party's identity. Additionally, her previous nickname for Starmer as 'Sir Softy' adds to the complexity of her transition.
Another day, another defection - @kiranstacey and I chew over what Natalie Elphicke's defection means for Sunak and Starmer. Did Starmer miscalculate the level of anger about him welcoming Elphicke, or is it doing exactly the job he hoped? https://t.co/laC5jZdrQe
The Spectator’s James Heale says Natalie Elphicke’s defection to Labour “is a defection too far”. "I'll be surprised if she doesn't defect back given the way everyone's briefing against her. So much for socialist solidarity!" @Iromg https://t.co/lCRKF7y8je
🤔 What Dover really thinks of its hardline Tory MP switching to Labour Natalie Elphicke’s shock defection to the opposition party has left everyone feeling bewildered – not least her constituents ⬇️ https://t.co/SlPtCpmLgi
Natalie Elphicke defection 'like being punched in the gut', says Jess Philips Read more🔗 https://t.co/LlcwmIDBjA
“Natalie Elphicke is ‘an opportunist’ & ‘Labour looks bad.. Labour is ‘selling its soul’ & ‘please don’t do that’ just to win the election.” The Elphicke defection is backfiring on Starmer! #bbcqt https://t.co/F9o4l826Bh
Natalie Elphicke's defection "seems to have united the Conservatives and the country that it is such an odd defection", says ex adviser to minister Michael Gove, @CharlieRowley18. "People will see through this - the public aren't silly", he adds. https://t.co/GlTNastFii https://t.co/M7mQbFjkJE
🔍 Analysis: senior Labour figures and female MPs have expressed alarm over Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to accept the MP for Dover. Here's how Natalie Elphicke’s defection was a brutal political calculation ⬇️ https://t.co/kFbhawVd7X
On yesterday’s #PoliticsHub we were talking about the Natalie Elphicke defection, and whether the curious lack of Labour MPs publicly welcoming her to the party perhaps suggested it wasn’t quite the slam dunk that Keir Starmer was looking for. And today there have been some……
Political commentator Charlie Rowley says former Tory MP Natalie Elphicke’s defection to Labour “has spectacularly backfired” on Starmer’s party. “The Labour Party has taken this up just to score cheap political points." #Talk https://t.co/ykiJiBlUTH
Few Labour MPs have gone public in criticising Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to welcome Tory Rightwinger Natalie Elphicke into the party’s ranks https://t.co/xl2i1XdKph
Natalie Elphicke: Dover feels betrayed by Tory MP's defection to Labour https://t.co/tJaw4Ycnri
Natalie Elphicke's neighbouring constituency Labour party issues a statement saying they are "shocked and appalled" by the admission of such a "toxic and divisive" figure into their party, and urge Labour members in Dover to apply for her membership to be rejected. https://t.co/eGmkY5Jnmz
Natalie Elphicke’s defection is everything that’s wrong with politics. She so badly wants to stop the boats she’s joined a party that has no plan to do so. Meanwhile, Starmer’s Labour doesn’t even have any principles to betray, says Tom Slater https://t.co/WNPxXMbwvb
While Westminster was shocked by Natalie Elphicke's defection from the Tories to Labour it left her Dover constituents gobsmacked, writes @HenryRiley1 for LBC Views https://t.co/ywvsgEqPyV
Labour has defended welcoming Tory defector Natalie Elphicke into the party after the decision sparked anger from some backbench MPs. Tap below to read more: https://t.co/7eDqOm6Ota
What will Labour gain from its controversial Tory defection? Natalie Elphicke's surprise move has angered both Tories and some within Labour 📧 Our Early Edition newsletter, by @jacquelinehead https://t.co/4Z0QA2S3Jk
Labour chair Anneliese Dodds insists Natalie Elphicke is "good, natural fit" for party https://t.co/yWmu8Ba8c5
Just Anneliese Dodds defending right-wing Tory Natalie Elphicke joining Labour. https://t.co/rhbU4Sa9iW
The Labour Chair, Annaliese Dodds, has just said that the hard right Tory MP Natalie Elphicke is a "good fit" for Keir Starmer's Labour party. Worse and worse.
"It all happened pretty quickly and barely anyone in Westminster saw it coming" @ChrisMasonBBC reflects on Natalie Elphicke's defection to Labour https://t.co/3Q8cBbuhCG
'She's not even Marmite, she's seen as toxic by a lot of Labour MPs!' Andrew Pierce reacts to the political fallout from Natalie Elphicke's defection to the Conservative Party. https://t.co/JQLzHEstRK
Labour chair Anneliese Dodds defends right-wing Tory Natalie Elphicke joining the party https://t.co/0el1M19DFT
Anger and incredulity grips Labour over Natalie Elphicke's defection, with Diane Abbott still in the cold. Reporting with @nicholascecil https://t.co/fJxiC2ndzC
Natalie Elphicke defection: Anneliese Dodds hits back at outcry from Labour MPs https://t.co/SEr3ZJ44uN
Keir Starmer faces backlash from his own MPs after the defection of right wing Tory MP Natalie Elphicke to Labour. What's your reaction? 📞 0344 499 1000 @JuliaHB1 https://t.co/ju48q9WOrV
Talk’s international editor Isabel Oakeshott says Natalie Elphicke’s defection to Labour “defies belief”. “I don’t think anyone in Westminster thinks it’s credible. Something else is definitely going on here, there must be some kind of promise!” @Iromg | @IsabelOakeshott https://t.co/D41jWCnXV7
Who is Natalie Elphicke, the latest Conservative MP to defect to Labour? https://t.co/lIsX6DixdT
Anneliese Dodds says Natalie Elphicke's defection to the Labour Party shows it is 'only Labour' that can deliver the change the UK needs. 📺 Freeview 236, Sky 512, Virgin 604 🔓 Become a GB News Member: https://t.co/mNsRsGC8ef https://t.co/cghdVRsaDH
🚨 NEW: Labour chair Anneliese Dodds has described Tory defector Natalie Elphicke as a “good, natural fit” for Labour [@BBCNews]
Labour leader Keir Starmer faces anger after Natalie Elphicke's defection to his party https://t.co/qLFKpVZl2K
Natalie Elphicke: Labour insists ex-Tory MP is 'good fit' for party https://t.co/o2HWfof7At
Natalie Elphicke - the former Conservative MP for Dover - unexpectedly announced she was leaving the Tories to join Labour on Wednesday. Chair of the Labour Party @AnnelieseDodds is asked how she feels about Natalie Elphicke joining the Labour Party despite her saying less than… https://t.co/ThOwSG66o9
Labour defended itself from a backlash after the defection of Tory right-winger Natalie Elphicke provoked a storm of protest from among its own MPs https://t.co/IX3ZvTTqwj
Sir Keir Starmer's decision to admit former Tory MP Natalie Elphicke into Labour has been met with bewilderment by some of his MPs. Tap below to read more: https://t.co/eKcZuqCfFN
Chair of Labour Party @AnnelieseDodds joins @WilfredFrost to discuss Tory MP Natalie Elphicke's defection to the Labour Party. 🕐 8:15 am 👉 #Breakfast 📺 Sky 501 / Freeview 233 📱 Watch live: https://t.co/uR9UKQzfPA
'Natalie Elphicke has said that the Tory Party has moved too far to the right' - @WilfredFrost @GillianKeegan replies: "It's a very odd thing to say because she is probably furthest to the right of the Party." She adds: "I can't understand defections" https://t.co/V5lnVpZWYw https://t.co/UeewjW1hXs
Anneliese Dodds says that yes, Natalie Elphicke, who supported Liz Truss, is a good natural fit for the Labour party. https://t.co/P6QHg1BXbe
Talk presenter Peter Cardwell says Natalie Elphicke “will be a thorn in Keir Starmer’s side” after she defected from the Tories. "A lot of people are scratching their heads, why has she done this? Why has Keir Starmer accepted her as a Labour MP?" @Iromg | @petercardwell https://t.co/pmQFBEy3TP
'She's very much on the right-wing of the party... she was a big Liz Truss supporter.' Gillian Keegan says Natalie Elphicke's defection to the Labour Party is 'baffling' and shows a 'lack of principles'. 🔓 Become a GB News Member: https://t.co/mNsRsGC8ef https://t.co/488eWjLRN1
🔴 Sir Keir Starmer faced a backlash from the Left wing of his party after welcoming defecting Tory MP Natalie Elphicke to the Labour benches. Read more: https://t.co/Ud5vPJzIyW https://t.co/nES4h5Zb4U
Sir Keir Starmer is facing a backlash for allowing Tory MP Natalie Elphicke to defer to Labour Our Chief Political Correspondent @hzeffman says some MPs were in 'complete shock' on #BBCBreakfast https://t.co/vniAjB0YJv https://t.co/qR5KWEb5hF
Keir Starmer faces criticism over decision to accept Natalie Elphicke https://t.co/JEmguGe6pO
Chris Mason: Natalie Elphicke's defection to Labour was one barely anyone saw coming https://t.co/TSFZxAHbeB
Sir Keir Starmer has come under fire over his decision to accept Tory defector Natalie Elphicke into the Labour party https://t.co/oJPuxrYYLO
Labour MPs slam 'outrageous' decision to welcome former Tory Natalie Elphicke into party https://t.co/Ho3hNmQ7nm
Natalie Elphicke: Starmer faces anger after Tory MP's defection https://t.co/bkVeBJvjl4
'I think it's an idiotic decision. She's joined a party that stands for everything she despises.' Former Immigration Minister, @RobertJenrick, brands Natalie Elphicke 'idiotic' for defecting to the Labour Party. https://t.co/eQ2oj0s3wq
“Amongst some Labour MPs it has gone down like a bag of cold sick… I understand some female Labour MPs have passed on their concerns to the leadership” #Newsnight Political Editor @nicholaswatt discusses the reaction to Dover MP Natalie Elphicke defecting to the Labour Party https://t.co/ifyegtWyRx
Fury over Natalie Elphicke’s defection inc in shadow cabinet. One MP asks: ‘Are we welcoming Farage next week?’ Another: “Many of us didn’t fight Momentum only to see our leader welcome Reform in the front door.” Story by @elenicourea, @PippaCrerar & me https://t.co/jaYSM4ejvF
👀 "too far to the left for Labour at the moment" Tory MPs are having fun with Natalie Elphicke's defection... https://t.co/NaiBdl60zm
Usually - when a member of Parliament defects to a different party - you’re inundated with gloating posts on social media from MPs trying to capitalise on the defection. And today was no exception. After Natalie Elphicke - the Conservative MP for Dover and Deal - crossed the…
Natalie Elphicke, Conservative MP who is now defecting to Labour, was seen crossing the floor in the House of Commons. Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, also made a dig towards the Conservatives about the deflecting MPs ⬇️ https://t.co/kUI79125W6 https://t.co/Xf4a0xIlUD
Tory MP Natalie Elphicke defects to Labour in a new blow to Rishi Sunak. Is there any coming back from this? Iain Dale and his panel discuss this and more. Watch live on @GlobalPlayer.
"There isn't a socialist bone in that woman's body..." "I think Labour is going to rather regret taking on Natalie Elphicke today." "She was the one who nicknamed him Sir Softy!" @IainDale reacts to the former Tory MP defecting to Keir Starmer's Labour Party. https://t.co/5nHMTK4hyl
Conservative MP @Rehman_Chishti dismisses Natalie Elphicke's defection to Labour - noting her having previously called Keir Starmer 'Sir Softie' as 'two flippers who keep flipping'. #PoliticsHub 🔗 https://t.co/GlTNastFii 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube https://t.co/jTPvTwOORC
Fair to say Natalie Elphicke’s defection has met with a negative reaction in some Labour circles, but other opinions are available. One shadow cabinet member said: “How could you refuse so close to an election?”
"I was gobsmacked." Science Secretary @michelledonelan MP tells @SophyRidgeSky of her shock after hearing that Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke had defected to Labour: "This literally does not make any sense", she says. #PoliticsHub 🔗 https://t.co/GlTNastFii 📺 Sky 501 https://t.co/LJag7RL0vk
"This is the most nonsensical move in politics that I've ever seen..." Tory MP Michelle Donelan 'can't fathom' Natalie Elphicke's logic as she defects to Labour, telling @AndrewMarr9 she believes it's 'undemocratic' to her constituents. https://t.co/sUNDhKLnc3
EXC: Labour’s chief whip expressed reservations about allowing Natalie Elphicke to join the party ahead of her defection amid concerns about the fallout in the PLP https://t.co/t2LgGvsfEc
"I was gobsmacked." Science minister @michelledonelan MP tells @SophyRidgeSky of her shock after hearing that Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke had defected to Labour: "This literally does not make any sense", she says. #PoliticsHub 🔗 https://t.co/GlTNastFii 📺 Sky 501 https://t.co/zhZGGVbLnS
Natalie Elphicke's defection to Labour - the second MP to leave the Tories in less than two weeks - 'speaks to the slow death of the Rishi Sunak premiership', says Sky's @BethRigby. #PoliticsHub https://t.co/GlTNasud7Q 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube https://t.co/NMAx4M1vkg
"It's no slam dunk for Keir Starmer either." Tonight with @SophyRidgeSky, we are starting with the story of the day - Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke defecting to the Labour party. #PoliticsHub 🔗 https://t.co/GlTNastFii 📺 Sky 501 and YouTube https://t.co/RxyGKfpNYd
"Every time I've spoken to Natalie, the conversation's been around boats and immigration and how she doesn't believe that the Labour Party have a plan around this." Conservative MPs have found Natalie Elphicke's defection to Labour "very odd" @bhatti_saqib tells @JPonPolitics. https://t.co/zqHLxD6AES
Lots of Labour MPs unhappy about the decision to admit Natalie Elphicke. I hear it “goes much broader” than the women’s PLP or the left of the party One MP cites an email from a constituent who voted Labour but after seeing Elphicke’s defection will vote Green
Labour MPs are ‘Furious’ with Starmer Over Defection of Hard-Right Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke https://t.co/LwIY8rJNj7 https://t.co/zhUf7XwWyi
Natalie Elphicke's switch is another wounding Conservative defection to Labour, @ChrisMasonBBC writes https://t.co/c8GFm8qonu
Natalie Elphicke is *the* small boats MP - representing Dover, her defection from the Conservatives over this issue is a big blow for Sunak. But Labour MPs are deeply unhappy about her controversial support for her sex offender ex-husband during his trial. https://t.co/lpXB4w0UGY
Natalie Elphicke’s defection: Starmer’s supporters jubilant at opportunity to hit the Conservatives where it hurts on small boats But private unease among Labour MPs could mean trouble is being stored up for the difficult moments ahead https://t.co/p0CpBFhsdo
Natalie Elphicke’s shock defection to Labour received a mixed reaction in her Dover constituency. Tap below to read more: https://t.co/L554RRBlZb
The inside story of Tory MP's Natalie Elphicke's defection to Labour https://t.co/7PAWBszEPq
Could Keir Starmer's Decision To Welcome Natalie Elphicke From The Tories Backfire? https://t.co/pJKYaIntc1
EXC: Backlash over Natalie Elphicke defection Seven female Labour MPs tell us they are unhappy at her admission, one left in tears by the news. w/@AgnesChambre https://t.co/vOsKIfs2yU
NEW Natalie Elphicke defects to Labour - discontent in Labour including at a senior level over admitting her as an MP - MPs planning 'clear but discreet expression of disagreement' w decision - one has complained to whips @alexwickham @EllenAMilligan https://t.co/iqCmy7WBBz
NEW with @PronouncedAlva — many Labour MPs unhappy with Keir Starmer’s decision to accept Natalie Elphicke defection, over her support for her husband during his trial — one says complaints going into Loto/whips — another says lots of female MPs upset https://t.co/2vWu9k3pdr
Natalie Elphicke: who is the latest Tory MP to defect to Labour? https://t.co/wtZ8smRW8x
John McDonnell 'shocked' by Natalie Elphicke defecting to Labour, as top official brands party 'dustbin for far right' https://t.co/j4jkUrwL7d
Natalie Elphicke, the MP for Dover and Deal, has defected from the Conservatives to Labour Listen to Adam Fleming on the latest #BBCNewscast... https://t.co/7OH5isSGE4
‘Categorically, this woman is a Tory… other than adding to the smell of decay around the Conservatives, what does this achieve for Labour?’ @TomSwarbrick1 cannot explain why Natalie Elphicke has defected to the Labour Party, or why Keir Starmer has welcomed her. https://t.co/uKb5CtUKyV
🗣️ 'Natalie Elphicke’s defection to Sir Keir Starmer’s party is based on a fantasy' | Writes @HCH_Hill Tap to read ⤵️ https://t.co/fL0iZ0Eukc https://t.co/SaXppDWDjp
🔴Labour MPs are ‘Furious’ with Starmer Over the Defection of Hard-Right Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke One Labour MP described his decision to take Natalie Elphicke as a “disgrace” that would “come back to bite us” @AdamBienkov reports https://t.co/2bsdKvFpSb
Labour MPs are furious with Keir Starmer over his decision to welcome hard-right Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke into the party. One MP describes it as a "disgrace" that will "come back to bite us" MPs from all wings of the party angry about the move https://t.co/sUsmf8vlno
🔎 Analysis: It is an unlikely defection. As MP for Dover, Natalie Elphicke has long been one of the most outspoken figures on the Tory right on illegal migration ⬇️ https://t.co/Ct8yTlUhVo
'Monumental disloyalty’: Shocked MPs hit out at Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke's defection to Labour https://t.co/Qn2UEY1lh5
🤯 One Conservative MP told @politicshome the defection of Natalie Elphicke to Labour was "bonkers" They described their former colleague as "more right wing" than Lee Anderson https://t.co/N29Tc35b4L
Conservative MP Tom Hunt says Natalie Elphicke’s defection to Labour “doesn’t make any sense” to him. “Natalie has been incredibly critical about Keir Starmer personally and about the Labour Party repeatedly.” #Talk https://t.co/oMA7dRQ7e9
Photo du Jour: Labour leader @Keir_Starmer with former Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke in his parliamentary office in the House of Commons after it was announced she has defected to Labour. By Stefan Rousseau/PA https://t.co/oTsO7hvPmv
'He was asked whether our very own Nigel Farage would be welcomed into the Labour party and he didn't actually say no' Olivia Utley discusses the anger and confusion felt by Labour MPs as Keir Starmer accepts Tory defector Natalie Elphicke into the party. https://t.co/byeHTbScTD
After Natalie Elphicke's defiction today, just a reminder that HuffPost UK revealed at the weekend that a handful of Conservatives have held talks with Labour officials about the possibility of switching sides. https://t.co/2UX7aVdEVt
Safe to say Natalie Elphicke's defection has not been met with universal acclaim among Labour MPs. https://t.co/yopB00gmEQ
Natalie Elphicke, the MP for Dover, has defected to the Labour Party. This is the moment she crossed the floor of the Commons shortly before Prime Minister's Questions began - the second Tory to do so in 10 days 👇 More here: https://t.co/xItZsH7tea https://t.co/k4MldW2KvY
Natalie Elphicke's Labour Defection Has Everyone Pulling Up Receipts Of Her Voting Record https://t.co/MqaWjVqCig
Lot of depressed Tory MPs today. But also has to be said there’s growing disquiet on Labour benches about Elphicke defection. Feel she may be a step too far.
Natalie Elphicke is joining the Labour Party. This is @NatalieElphicke: #PMQs https://t.co/NazpZBRGoH
Significant private disquiet amongst some Labour women about Natalie Elphicke's defection...
'Quite a few Conservative MPs believe themselves to be to the left of Natalie Elphicke and are hugely surprised that she, of all people, has chosen to cross the floor' Olivia Utley describes the Tories as 'baffled' by Elphicke's defection to Labour. https://t.co/r4d4uTpjiM
'The reason she's given for joining the Labour Party is important. I think she speaks for very many Tory voters in saying the Tory Party has changed, it's left the centre ground' @Keir_Starmer says he's 'delighted' to welcome @NatalieElphicke to Labour https://t.co/EoDdC5Oc5f https://t.co/SUxhchaaBU
Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke defects to Labour citing border security https://t.co/XYVvO02KXM
"I am delighted to welcome Natalie Elphicke to the Labour party." Labour leader @Keir_Starmer reacts to the Tory MP defecting to his party. https://t.co/xItZsH7tea 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube https://t.co/p2YcmfZMf5
One Labour MP tells me they broke into tears when they heard of Natalie Elphicke's defection. https://t.co/mc3ExobI2G
Keir Starmer, "I'm delighted to welcome Natalie Elphicke to the Labour party.. She's on the front line when it comes to the crisis on small boats" "I think she speaks for many Tory voters in saying the Tory party has changed, it's left the center ground.. And the Labour have… https://t.co/YtH8vkjuCK
Shockingly Right-wing Tory MP Natalie Elphicke has defected to Labour. Is she a
Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke who defected to Labour says her decision was in part due to Rishi Sunak having "broken many election promises." Listen to her statement in full 👇 https://t.co/xItZsH7tea 📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube https://t.co/I7rNCPeJUn
Dover MP Natalie Elphicke is a surprising defector but it’s not the first time she’s joined a labour movement. When P&O conducted its mass sackings of Dover seafarers in March 2022 she attended this RMT protest to condemn the company’s actions & was heckled by some https://t.co/sY0ixHFmZ0
🔄 Watch: The moment Tory MP Natalie Elphicke defects to Labour The MP for Dover said that under Rishi Sunak, the Conservatives had become a ‘byword for incompetence and division’ Read more ⤵️ https://t.co/lhyNkDp06s https://t.co/V3TYKMw7Us
Who is Natalie Elphicke - and why did she defect from Tories to Labour? https://t.co/TaMvlSkyGO
Natalie Elphicke is a surprising defector. When P&O conducted its mass sackings of Dover seafarers in March 2022, as the local MP she joined this RMT protest to condemn the company’s actions and was heckled by some, from memory because of her position on Brexit https://t.co/ktPl5rIDQ9
"She is just being opportunist I'm afraid to say" Transport Minister Huw Merriman calls Natalie Elphicke's defection to Labour from the Tories a "shameless decision" that's left him "staggered" Follow live: https://t.co/T5cdC0kJzw https://t.co/be349F27dK
"Given all the remarks that Natalie has made in the past attacking Labour, I do find it incoherent" Conservative MP Laura Farris expresses her surprise at Natalie Elphicke's defection from the Tories to Labour https://t.co/GhSXu5kkbH https://t.co/w2v5jfuYwA