Natalie Elphicke accused of lobbying justice chief over husband's sex assault trial
- Natalie Elphicke, a former Conservative MP who recently defected to Labour, allegedly lobbied Justice chief Sir Robert Buckland regarding her husband's sex assault trial.
- Claims suggest she complained about the judge presiding over Charlie Elphicke's trial for sexually assaulting two women.
- The situation raises questions about potential influence in legal proceedings.
Sir Robert Buckland said that Natalie Elphicke, a Member of Parliament who recently switched from the Conservative Party to Labour, spoke to him before her ex-husband's trial for criminal sex offences. She allegedly asked him to intervene in the trial, expressing concerns about the timing and the judge overseeing the case. Sir Robert refused, explaining that interfering could violate the separation of powers between Parliament and the judiciary. Natalie Elphicke also reportedly requested better prison conditions for her ex-husband, including more comfortable pillows. Her spokesperson denied these claims, stating that other Conservative MPs supported him independently. The Labour Party defended Natalie, saying she rejects the accusations and suggesting that Sir Robert should have raised any concerns at the time of the meeting. After Natalie's defection to Labour, some Labour MPs criticized her admission to the party due to her past comments about her ex-husband's case and his victims. Natalie later apologized for her previous remarks and condemned her ex-husband's behavior. There were reports that she left the Conservatives because she was unhappy about not being given a ministerial role in housing policy. Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, faced questions about accepting right-wing politicians like Natalie into the party. Sources revealed that Natalie complained to Sir Robert about the judge in her ex-husband's trial, expressing concerns about media attention and the judge's seniority. Sir Robert firmly told her it was inappropriate to discuss the trial with him. Natalie denied the characterization of the meeting and defended her actions. Overall, the situation involves a former Conservative MP switching to the Labour Party, allegations of lobbying for her ex-husband's trial, and concerns about her comments and actions. The story highlights the complexities of political relationships and ethical considerations in legal matters.