ERG member joins the Labour Party. Why? | LBC debate

Natalie Elphicke, considered by most to be on the right of even the Conservative Party, has joined Labour. This has caused consternation across the Commons, with Steve Baker describing the sudden shift in Ms Elphicke's political outlook 'implausible'.

The Cross Question panel from left to right:

Dan Hodges, Mail on Sunday columnist.

Bridget Phillipson, Labour's Shadow Education Secretary.

Iain Dale, LBC host.

Steve Baker, Northern Ireland minister.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, cross-bench peer.

Ms Elphicke crossed the floor in the Commons just moments before Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.

She said: "I have carefully considered this decision. The change has been dramatic and cannot be ignored.

"For me key deciding factors have been housing and the safety and security of our borders."

Her defection to Labour leaves the Government with a working majority in the Commons of 45.

It is the latest blow for the Conservatives - who lost Dan Poulter MP to Labour last month over concerns for the NHS.

Following her announcement, Sir Keir Starmer "warmly welcomed" the Dover MP to the benches.

He added: "If one week a Tory MP who is also a doctor says the Prime Minister can't be trusted with the NHS and joins Labour, and the next week the Tory MP for Dover on the front line of the small boats crisis says the Prime Minister cannot be trusted with our borders, and joins Labour.

"What is the point of this failed Government staggering on?"

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