'Outrageous': Labour backlash builds after Starmer opens door to Tory Right-winger

SIR Keir Starmer faced growing fury in Labour ranks today over his decision to welcome Tory Right-winger Natalie Elphicke into the party while still denying a return to veteran MP Diane Abbott.

- Jitendra Joshi and Nicholas Cecil

Party chairwoman Anneliese Dodds defended the defection despite Ms Elphicke's long record of attacking Labour policies, her insults against footballer and free school meals campaigner Marcus Rashford, and her defence of her ex-husband and predecessor as Dover MP when he was convicted of sexual assault.

Ms Abbott, meanwhile, remains suspended from the Labour whip after more than a year of investigation over an antisemitism row. One senior Labour MP told the Standard: "This is outrageous. Labour MPs are incredulous about what has happened.