It all unfolded with surprising speed, catching many in Westminster off guard.
Rishi Sunak reportedly learned of Natalie Elphicke’s defection just moments before Prime Minister’s Questions.
Initially, some senior Conservatives speculated she might be joining Reform UK.
But behind the scenes, Elphicke had been quietly in talks with Labour for weeks.
A significant connection she had cultivated over the years was with John Healey, a veteran Labour member who accompanied her into Parliament.
Her longstanding interest in housing policy, evident even before her time as an MP, was emphasized in her statement announcing the move. Notably, she was awarded an OBE for her housing work in 2015.
Conservative MPs are puzzled by her decision. Some expressed being “staggered” and labeled it “poisonous.”
Campaign materials bearing her name, which highlighted Conservative stances on issues like illegal immigration, seemed contradictory to her switch.
Among Labour ranks, reactions range from bafflement to anger. Some struggle to reconcile her policy positions, while others are upset by remarks she made to The Sun regarding her ex-husband’s sexual assault conviction.
While Labour stated that these issues were addressed previously, there’s a sense among some that Elphicke will need to address concerns directly with her new colleagues.
Privately, both Labour and Conservative figures note the significance of Elphicke’s move, especially so soon after another Conservative defection.
For Labour, it’s seen as a sign of momentum, contrasting with perceived Conservative stagnation.
Some Labour MPs point out the irony that while Diane Abbott remains outside the Parliamentary Labour Party, Elphicke now sits within it.
However, for many, the broader message prevails – another Conservative MP crossing the aisle signifies more than just a single defection. It’s a statement about the current political landscape.
