Message to Natalie Elphicke: Commit the above words to memory and practice singing them! I hope you have a good singing voice!
It takes a lot of guts to “cross the floor” from the government benches to the opposition benches in the House of Commons.
Often seen as the ultimate expression of self interest, the defector will be made to suffer not only the “opinions” of her former parliamentary colleagues but the much greater scorn from activists in their own constituency, these former supporters regarding them as the worst of traitors!
Natalie will know the vociferous loyalty the Tory activists have towards the leader and the party heirachy and the sheer vindictiveness many will display to those they feel will have betrayed them!
At the same time the activists in her new party in her constituency will have a somewhat jaundiced attitude towards their new colleague. Especially their former potential opponent!
Of course, Natalie will be a highly valued parliamentary colleague insofar as Sir Keir and the party’s leadership is concerned.
It is widely to be expected that there will be a majority Labour government in 2025.
The next election is scheduled to be held no later than 28 January 2025, with Parliament being dissolved no later than 17 December 2024.
Natalie has said she will not be standing to remain as an MP at the general election and has not been offered a peerage by Labour as a reward for defecting. She will be given an unpaid role advising Labour on housing policy.
I do not doubt that this is the case. But it will be interesting to see what happens to her career in the future.
Nice one, good tune that!