The defection of MP Natalie Elphicke from the Conservatives to Labour “is bewildering to most people” according to Education Secretary Gillian Keegan.
She told GB News: “It's baffling, isn't it? It's sort of bewildering to most people, I think. I guess the views and the principles change very often.
“She's very much on the right wing of the party. I know all parties are a broad church, but she was an ERG member and big Liz Truss supporter, I believe.
“I don't really know her personally very well. Whilst it's disappointing to see colleagues go, this one does not look like a good fit. I think most people are very, very surprised. It seemed to come as a surprise to most MPs.
“It shows a real lack of principles, this ability to just shift positions very quickly - we're just getting on with delivering the job.
“These sorts of sort of political games or student politics will just continue to go on but the principles behind it, everyone will question.”
She continued: “It shows something about the individual, not about the party. It is a very, very odd decision, I guess.
“As you say, she's very much criticised the Labour Party on many issues, but particularly on immigration and the fact they have no plan on immigration.
“She'll have to answer herself, I guess, but how you can change your views that much - there's many colleagues in Kent I think who are really disappointed, because they helped her a lot over many personal issues as well.
“Keegan added: “Funnily enough, these kinds of incidents do actually unite the party. I know, from our own benches, you know, absolute bafflement, and everybody thinking how can you do that?
“When you sign up for a political party, you sign up very much for the principles of the political party.”
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