UK Conservative Party member Natalie Elphicke has crossed party lines to join the Labour Party, citing dissatisfaction with the leadership of Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and accusing him of running a “chaotic” government.
“We need to move on from the broken promises of Rishi Sunak’s tired and chaotic government," said Elphicke. “Under Rishi Sunak, the Conservatives have become a byword for incompetence and division.”
The defection of Elphicke to Labour marks a surprising shift, as the former Conservative Party member has been known for her ideologically right stances and criticisms of Labour. But Elphicke contends that Sunak’s leadership has resulted in a more vulnerable UK.
"From small boats to biosecurity, Rishi Sunak's government is failing to keep our borders safe and secure," Elphicke remarked.
Elphicke's move follows a similar defection by Conservative lawmaker Dan Poulter that occurred just two weeks ago. Poulter changed parties after citing dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the National Health Service, according to the AP.
The Labour Party has seized on these defections as indicative of broader discontent with the Conservative government. They have called for an immediate general election, arguing that Sunak's leadership cannot be trusted to manage critical issues such as border security.
The date for the next general election remains uncertain, as it is up to Prime Minister Sunak. However, it is mandated to take place by January.
Labour's recent gains in local elections may foreshadow a political victory for them in a general election, as Conservatives continue to face challenges amidst losses in various elections.
