Party politics may be tribal for many, but in Dover most people feel their MP has won their loyalty through her work in the community, regardless of whether she is Tory or Labour.
The MP for Dover and Deal, Natalie Elphicke, became the second Tory MP to switch parties in two weeks, in protest at the “incompetence and division” of Rishi Sunak’s government as she crossed the floor of the House of Commons before prime minister’s questions on Wednesday.
The news spread quickly in Dover, with most people who spoke to the Guardian already aware that their MP, who is not due to stand for the constituency at the next general election, had defected. Voters from across the political spectrum shared their surprise at the move, yet many were positive about Elphicke, whom they consider a linchpin of the community.
Mae Montenegro, 50, said she would vote for Elphicke regardless of her party affiliation as she is an active member of the community, including attending her local church, St Paul’s, where she recently organised an anniversary celebration for the priest. “It’s her decision,” she said. “I want a person who represents the community, not the party.”
Robert Hewer, 74, had voted for Elphicke previously and would vote for her again, as her hardline views on immigration reflect his perception that “immigration is eroding our culture”.
“She’s a people person, she supports the local community,” he said. “She’s anti-uncontrolled immigration, which is a big issue in Dover and the UK. I can understand her move because the Conservatives haven’t done what they promised. They’ve let her down and she’s making a point.”
A former miner, Hewer was brought up to vote Labour, but switched to the Conservatives a decade ago in support of Brexit. He would consider returning to Labour in future, though he considers Keir Starmer “too woke”.
This would not deter him for voting for Elphicke again, however. “I would vote for her, because I know her,” he said. “Know the devil you’re getting into bed with.”
Alwyn Conway, 80, agreed that Elphicke had done “good work” in the area, and shared Hewer’s apprehension about a Labour government. While he felt it was a matter of “the devil and the deep blue sea”, he added that “with the Conservatives you know where you are. It might be out of the frying pan and into the fire”.
But Conway said he may still vote for Elphicke in the general election: “If Natalie’s changed over and she’s of the opinion of stopping boats, that could swing me in her favour. I vote for the person, not the party.”
His wife, Carol Conway, 79, said: “We don’t want Labour to run the country. It’s gone to the dogs. I’m shocked that she’s done that.”
The Conways were Labour voters for most of their lives before switching to the Conservatives. They are dissatisfied with the current government, but Carol is worried that Labour would be less tough on immigration. She is sceptical about politics more generally, adding: “Politicians aren’t in it for us any more, they’re in it for themselves.”
Frances Trewartha, 39, said her mum had rung her to share the news. “I’m surprised – It’s a massive change,” she said. “I didn’t even know you could do that, move from one side to the other. I wonder why [she’s done it].”
She is a Labour voter and says most people she knows in Dover are too. But she does not like the “bickering, nasty” atmosphere of politics at the moment, including Labour supporters and politicians who are too vociferously anti-Tory, and would ideally prefer not to vote.
She felt that immigration and border security – a focus for Elphicke – were especially sensitive issues in the area given that it is a site for small boats landings. Her mother, who lives in nearby Kingsdown, has been ordered by police to lock her doors when border force are searching for asylum seekers.
But she added: “I don’t wander around Dover feeling frightened about refugees or asylum seekers.”
