Starmer Faces Backlash Over Tory MP Defection Amid Abbott Suspension

UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is facing criticism from within his party for accepting Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke into the Labour Party, while veteran MP Diane remains, suspended, party over an antisemitism row. Elphicke's surprise defection, announced just minutes before Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, has sparked a range of reactions from Labour MPs, from delight to anger.

Why this matters: This controversy highlights the challenges Labour faces in appealing to a broader electorate while maintaining party unity, and it may have implications for the party's ability to win back voters in key constituencies. The backlash also raises questions about the party's stance on issues like antisemitism and its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.

Elphicke, the MP for Dover, cited Labour's alignment with "the national interest" as her reason for crossing the floor of the House of Commons. This marks the second defection to Labour in less than two weeks, following Dan Poulter's switch from the Tories last month. Elphicke's move is seen as symbolic of Labour's new mantra to appeal to former Tory voters, particularly in provincial England.

However, the decision has drawn comparisons to the treatment of Diane Abbott, Britain's first black woman MP, who has been suspended from the Labour Party for over a year due to an antisemitism investigation. Abbott tweeted:"Natalie Elphicke is right to apologise. The decision to accept it 5 years after she first said it is unusual. Not everyone is treated with such generosity."

Labour MPs have also criticized the decision to admit Elphicke, citing her hardline views on immigration and past support of her ex-husband Charlie Elphicke, who was convicted of sexual assault in 2020. Jess Phillips, the former shadow minister for domestic violence and safeguarding, said Elphicke should account for her actions, adding: "I'm all for forgiveness, but I do think that that needs some explaining."

Sir Keir Starmer defended the decision to accept Elphicke, saying: "I'm very pleased to welcome Natalie to the Labour Party... It's a Conservative Party that is on its last legs, it's out of ideas." He argued that politics should be less tribal and that Labour should be a place where reasonably minded people can join. When asked about the possibility of Nigel Farage joining Labour, Sir Keir joked that Farage would be the last person to want to join the party, but his spokesman refused to rule it out.

The controversy comes as Labour prepares for power and makes efforts to appeal to business. However, this has led to concerns among union backers. The party is due to meet union leaders next week to discuss changes to its New Deal for Working People. Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting defended Starmer's decision to accept Elphicke, saying the party would not accept every Tory who might want to switch allegiances.

Elphicke has stated that she will not seek re-election as a Labour MP. The decision to welcome her into the party has been seen by some as a move by Starmer tofar, go, power, even if it means alienating some of his own MPs. As Patrick Maguire of The Times wrote,"It doesn't matter what might make your MPs uncomfortable, instead Be The Voter and with it demonstrate that you are aligned with The Voter's values. "The backlash over Elphicke's defection amid Abbott's ongoing suspension highlights the divisions and challenges Starmer faces as he seeks to lead Labour back to government.