Who could argue with Keir Starmer’s desire for the Labour party to be “less tribal” or being welcoming to those “who want to join in our object of national renewal” (Labour should be ‘less tribal’, says Keir Starmer after Elphicke defection, 10 May). But platitudes are normally expected of leaders operating at the fag end of a failing government, not those poised to take power.
Natalie Elphicke may have apologised for the moral offence of insulting sexually assaulted women. She may deny the ethical offence of lobbying on behalf of her disgraced ex-husband. But neither she nor her Labour cheerleaders have explained how her rabidly rightwing vision will produce the romantic synergy with Labour policies that’s necessary to achieve “national renewal”.
Paul McGilchrist
Cromer, Norfolk
• I’m tribal Labour. In my 64 voting years I have been Labour through good times (eg Gordon Brown) and the worst (eg Jeremy Corbyn). But I have finally reached my sticking point – Natalie Elphicke. Sorry, Keir.
Margaret Scorer
London
• When I’m out canvassing, I’m often met with the comment that politicians are as bad as each other. I respond with an explanation of Labour values, the ideals that motivate me to give up my time and where we differ from the Tories. With the admittance of Natalie Elphicke into the party, I have no words. I won’t be knocking.
Val Hart
Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
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