Author: Rajeev Syal and Kiran Stacey

Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure as former Tory MP Natalie Elphicke defects to Labour, drawing criticism for her anti-strike laws stance. The president of the TUC, Matt Wrack, condemned Elphicke for blaming firefighters for deaths during strikes, calling her views “disgraceful”. Wrack sent a letter to Starmer, questioning Elphicke’s admission into the Labour party and urging for her removal. Despite claims of Elphicke lobbying in her husband’s rape case, Labour has stood by her, prompting backlash within the party. Starmer’s call for unity has faced challenges as Elphicke’s history of anti-Labour rhetoric raises concerns among MPs. As Starmer navigates these…