Was Keir Starmer’s decision to welcome the Tory right wing MP Natalie Elphicke to the Labour party a genius strategic move by a ruthless leader ready for power or an unforced error? The calculation in the Leader’s Office was that the opportunity to have an MP in a key seat on small boats (Elphicke represents Dover) back Starmer was too good to pass up. Given Labour have often been attacked for being soft on immigration, having the right wing Elphicke cross the floor and say Starmer has the best policy is a strong message for wavering voters. Starmer wasted no time in trying to capitalise on this endorsement with a speech on Friday in Dover on his plans to tackle the small boat crossings.
Part of the calculation was that the furore over Elphicke’s past criticisms of Labour and her defence of her now ex-husband (and former Tory MP) Charlie Elphicke after he was charged with sexual assault would quickly die down.
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