Dover's Conservative MP defects to Labour

Tory MP Natalie Elphicke has defected to Labour, hitting out at the "broken promises of Rishi Sunak's tired and chaotic Government".

The Dover MP crossed the floor in the Commons just moments before Prime Minister's Questions.

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."

She added: "From small boats to biosecurity, Rishi Sunak's government is failing to keep our borders safe and secure. Lives are being lost in the English Channel while small boat arrivals are once again at record levels.

"It's clear they have failed to keep our borders secure and cannot be trusted."

At Prime Minister's Questions, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer asked Mr Sunak "what is the point of this failed Government staggering on" when "the Tory MP for Dover on the front line of small boats crisis says the Prime Minister cannot be trusted with our borders and joins Labour?".

Natalie Elphicke is the second Conservative to defect to the opposition in just two weeks.

MP Dr Dan Poulter crossed the floor over concerns with the government's handling of the NHS.

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