Sam Coates: Some nervousness in Labour over shock switch - as Tories brace for moreThe defection of Natalie Elphicke from the Tories to Labour today was a "complete surprise", says our deputy political editor Sam Coates. She was a Tory MP on the right of the party, and backed Liz Truss at the last leadership election over Rishi Sunak. With such a hardline Brexiteer willing to switch sides, Sam says Conservative Party HQ is "bracing for others" to potentially go. Tory MPs are "wounded" and also fearing more defections, he says. There is "some nervousness" in Labour at the reaction to the defection, with some MPs expressing concern about Ms Elphicke's previous comments and stance on immigration (see 15.45 post).
