Natalie Elphicke, previously a Conservative MP for Dover, has recently joined the Labour Party, sparking discussions over her motives and past actions. Elphicke, who had hoped to secure a ministerial role related to housing under both Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, reportedly defected due to frustrations after not being appointed. Additionally, Elphicke’s previous defence of her ex-husband, Charlie Elphicke—who was convicted of sexual assault in 2020—has been a source of controversy within both her former and current party.

In 2020, Elphicke is reported to have attempted to influence the judicial process during her husband’s trial by contacting the then Justice Secretary, Sir Robert Buckland, with requests to move the trial to a less public venue or change the presiding judge. These requests were declined by Buckland in order to maintain the separation of powers. Despite facing criticism from some Labour MPs, Labour shadow health secretary Wes Streeting defended the party’s decision to accept her, highlighting the importance of welcoming defectors.

Since her switch, Elphicke has faced allegations related to her prior efforts to improve her then-husband’s prison conditions and expressed regret over her past comments supporting him. Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, has not commented in depth on the matter but has indicated a shift toward a more inclusive approach to party membership. As political dynamics continue to shift, Elphicke’s move underscores ongoing changes and tensions within major UK parties.