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Dover MP Natalie Elphicke has become the second Conservative to defect to Labor in the past two weeks, criticizing Rishi Sunak’s government for “broken promises”.
In the latest blow to the Prime Minister, Mr Elphike crossed the floor of the House of Commons just before Mr Sunak was due to face Sir Keir Starmer in the Commons after the Tories suffered a setback in local elections.
She said her decision was driven by concerns about “housing and border safety and security” and claimed Labor had taken control of the center of British politics.
Her decision comes less than two weeks after former health minister Dr Dan Poulter announced he would defect to Labor for the remainder of his term until he stands down at the next election.
Since becoming an MP in 2019, Mr Elphike has been outspoken on the issue of small boats crossing the English Channel and adopted a tough approach to illegal immigration.
At Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Starmer rebuked Mr Sunak over his criticism of the government’s immigration policy.
He said: “This failed government is reeling when the Conservative MP for Dover, who is on the front line of the small boat crisis, says the Prime Minister cannot be trusted on our borders and is joining Labor. “What is the point of progress?” he asked.
Mr Starmer’s decision to welcome Mr Elphike into his party sparked anger from some on the left who oppose her approach to immigration.
Left-wing grassroots group Momentum said the “far-right” Mr Elphike “has no place in a Labor Party that is committed to progressive values and working class people”.
A spokesperson said: “Natalie Elphike has consistently demonized refugees and aid organizations. While she voted against Labor’s proposals to ban redundancies and rehiring, she has also criticized the destructive and damaging Supported a wide range of Conservative legislation.
Announcing his defection, Mr Elphike said: “From small boats to biosecurity, Rishi Sunak’s government has failed to keep our borders safe. Lives are being lost in the English Channel and the number of small boat arrivals is increasing. is again at record levels.”
On housing, she said: “The Sunak government is currently failing to build the homes we need,” and hinted that she would work closely with Labor on housing policy, adding: “I have asked you to work with Mr Keir and the team. I’m honored to be chosen,” he added. To deliver the homes we need. ”
She accused the Conservative Party under Mr Sunak’s leadership of becoming “synonymous with incompetence and division”.
Mr Elphike said in a statement that under Mr Starmer’s leadership, Labor had “changed from all perceptions” and was “occupying the center of British politics”.
The decision also drew the ire of Tory MPs, with former minister Dame Andrea Jenkins attacking her over the decision on I thought I had more faith!” he wrote.
Elphicke wrote an article in the Daily Express that was widely shared under the headline: “Don’t trust Labor on immigration when it really wants open borders, Natalie Elphicke warns.”
Ms Elphike was elected Conservative MP for Dover in 2019, and her disgraced then-husband Charlie was jailed for two years after being found guilty of sexually assaulting two women in 2020. He took over the seat he held.