The MP who defected from the Tories to Labour yesterday has apologised for feedback she made supporting her ex-husband after he was convicted of sexual assault.
After former Tory MP Charlie Elphicke was jailed for 2 years in 2020 for assaulting two girls, Natalie Elphicke informed the Solar the actual fact he was “engaging” and “interested in girls” had made him an “straightforward goal for soiled politics and false allegations”.
She known as the trial unfair and mentioned the allegations had been “full nonsense” and known as her ex-husband “charming, rich, charismatic and profitable”.
A number of Labour MPs mentioned they weren’t snug having an MP of their get together who has defended a intercourse offender.
Jess Phillips, former shadow home violence minister, mentioned Mrs Elphicke ought to “account for her actions”.
Simply over 24 hours after defecting, Mrs Elphicke launched an announcement apologising for her feedback.
She mentioned: “My resolution to hitch the Labour Celebration just isn’t one I’ve taken flippantly however one I made as a result of I’m satisfied that this nation wants a brand new authorities led by Keir Starmer to repair the issues we see from housing to small boats.
“I at all times knew that this resolution would put a highlight on the prosecution of my ex-husband and I wish to handle among the commentary round this head on.
“The interval of 2017-2020 was an extremely traumatic and tough one for me as I discovered extra concerning the individual I assumed I knew. I do know it was far tougher for the ladies who needed to relive their experiences and provides proof towards him.
Learn extra: Natalie Elphicke defends MP husband after conviction
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Defecting Tory MP crosses flooring to Labour
“I’ve beforehand, and do, condemn his behaviour in direction of different girls and in direction of me. It was proper that he was prosecuted and I am sorry for the feedback that I made about his victims.
“It is important that girls can trust within the felony justice system and our charges of prosecution and conviction are far too low as a rustic.
“Keir Starmer’s mission to halve male violence towards girls and women is vital and I wished to take the chance to specific my specific assist for Labour colleagues working to grasp it.”
Mrs Elphicke ended her marriage to Mr Elphicke moments after he was convicted however supported his unsuccessful attraction, which is when she made the “engaging” feedback.
She had supported him till he was convicted and was seen getting into the court docket with him most days of his trial.
After he stepped down as an MP she stood in his Dover seat and received with a big majority.
She won’t be standing once more within the subsequent election.
