Dover.
Labour Party MP Natalie Elphicke holds the seat.
1 Jun 2026
One of Westminster's most high-profile defectors, Natalie Elphicke crossed the floor from the Conservatives to Labour in May 2024 -- a move that generated significant national controversy and drew criticism from figures across the political spectrum, including within Labour itself. Since that switch, however, her public profile has quietened considerably. Recent coverage shows her welcoming heritage funding and championing cost-of-living measures, but both read largely as endorsements of national Labour policy rather than evidence of distinctive local campaigning.
Parliamentary activity data for Elphicke is currently sparse: no votes are recorded in the available period, no speech data exists, and she holds no committee positions. This makes it impossible to assess her voting loyalty, parliamentary participation, or policy focus through the usual metrics. The absence of rebel votes is unsurprising given the lack of voting data overall, and no deviations from the Labour party line can be identified.
Local news coverage is extensive -- 73 articles in 90 days -- but dominated by immigration, transport, and crime stories in which Elphicke herself does not feature. Dover's proximity to the Channel means small boat crossings and Border Force operations generate substantial local coverage regardless of her involvement. The two articles where she does appear score modestly, reflecting constituency-level activity rather than parliamentary influence. Given the data gaps, constituents seeking a full picture of her post-defection parliamentary record should consult Hansard directly, as the available data captures very little of her current legislative activity.
2019 — full result.
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natalie ElphickeWON | Con | 28,830 | 56.9 |
| Charlotte Cornell | Lab | 16,552 | 32.6 |
| Simon Dodd | LD | 2,895 | 5.7 |
| Beccy Sawbridge | Grn | 1,371 | 2.7 |
| Nathan Sutton | Ind | 916 | 1.8 |
| Eljai Morais | Ind | 137 | 0.3 |
Turnout 50,701
Prior contests.
| Year | Winner | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Charlie Elphicke | Con | 52.4 |
| 2015 | Charlie Elphicke | Con | 43.3 |
| 2010 | Elphicke, Charlie | Con | 44.0 |
Sources, methods & last update
2010 boundary review
DCLEAPIL v1.0 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Census 2021
LSOA-aggregated · rolling 12mo