Natalie Elphicke, MP for Dover and Deal, has become the second MP to ‘cross the floor’ in as many months.  Her defection from the Conservative Party to Labour, follows hot on the heels of Dan Poulter, MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, who made the same journey in April.  Both of them cited their reasons for defecting as being dissatisfied with current Conservative policy, and feeling more attuned to the views of the opposition political party.  Hmmm.

‘Crossing the floor’ seems a peculiarly and typically political fudge.  In most other jobs, if you are dissatisfied with how things are being run you either put up with it, or you resign.  You don’t just walk into an equivalent position with your closest rivals.

Although ‘crossing the floor’ has been a feature of British parliament for centuries, I think it is fundamentally undemocratic.  The constituents of Dover and Deal and of Central Suffolk and North Ipswich have had no opportunity to express their views on the two defections; in fact, I would imagine that most of them are feeling pretty pissed off; I know that I would be if I voted Conservative only to discover that my vote had actually counted for Labour.  What is the point in voting at all, if the person you vote for decides to switch allegiances?

Now, I am not suggesting that an MP should never be allowed to change their mind, or to hold different opinions from those they were elected on but, if that becomes the case, they should simply resign and, if they want to join a new political party, do so by the established process of election by the people.  This would safeguard against any possible suspicions of career-opportunism, and personal advancement being put before political integrity.

Alternatively, while ‘crossing the floor’ remains a parliamentary option, here is a suggestion to Rishi Sunak on the best way to win the next General Election.  Have all your Conservative MPs stand as Labour candidates at the next election, and then have them switch sides en masse back to Tory after Labour come to power.

My God, I’ve just realised: Elphicke and Poulter are just the advance guard; it’s what he’s doing already!  Expect to see Rees-Mogg singing The Red Flag before the week is out.

© Beery Sue

It was Britain’s loss when Beery Sue chose beer before politics.