Overview

• Elphicke's defection to Labour, announced unexpectedly at a press conference, has caused significant turmoil within the party.
• Critics within Labour question the strategic wisdom of accepting a right-wing MP with a contentious past.
• Public reactions in Dover mixed, with some expressing disillusionment with all politicians.
• Labour leadership defends the move as a broadening of the party's appeal ahead of elections.
• The defection highlights deeper strategic and ideological divisions within Labour as elections approach.