Claims of inappropriate influence resurface amid MP’s defection to Labour
Natalie Elphicke, who recently switched allegiance from the Conservatives to Labour, faces allegations of lobbying then-Justice Secretary Sir Robert Buckland in 2020 to intervene in her former husband Charlie Elphicke’s criminal trial for sexual offences. Sir Robert, who was Lord Chancellor at the time, claims Ms Elphicke approached him to complain that the case’s scheduling was unfair and its handling by Lady Justice Whipple at Southwark Crown Court exposed it to heightened public scrutiny.
Observers interpreted her appeal as either an attempt to move the case to a less prominent court or to replace the presiding judge, according to The Sunday Times. Sir Robert dismissed the request, citing constitutional limits preventing any interference with judicial matters. “She was told unequivocally that speaking to the judge about the trial would have been entirely improper,” he told the newspaper.
Charlie Elphicke, who preceded Ms Elphicke as MP for Dover, was subsequently convicted of sexually assaulting two women and sentenced to two years in prison. Despite ending their marriage after his conviction, Ms Elphicke publicly supported his failed appeal, controversially characterising him as a victim of politically motivated accusations. She is further accused of lobbying for improved prison conditions for him, including requests for more comfortable bedding—claims she refutes.
Ms Elphicke’s spokesperson dismissed the allegations as “nonsense,” asserting that other Conservative MPs supported Mr Elphicke during his imprisonment, independent of her actions. A Labour spokesperson stated that Ms Elphicke “totally rejects” Sir Robert’s characterisation of their exchange.
Her defection to Labour has provoked internal discontent, with some MPs expressing concern over her past defence of Mr Elphicke. She has since clarified her stance, condemning her ex-husband’s behaviour and expressing regret for prior comments regarding his victims.
The controversy adds to speculation about Ms Elphicke’s motives for leaving the Conservative Party. Sources cited by The Observer claim dissatisfaction over being overlooked for housing ministerial roles under Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak fueled her defection. In announcing her switch, Ms Elphicke criticised Sunak’s “tired and chaotic government” and expressed belief in Labour’s ability to bring “a much better future.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, during a joint appearance with Ms Elphicke, emphasised openness to collaboration with “reasonably minded people” from other political backgrounds, suggesting a less divisive approach to political engagement.
