Tory Exodus Continues: Mark Logan Joins Labour in Call for New Government, Echoing Recent Conservative Defections

Mark Logan switches allegiance to Labour, declaring a change in government is necessary.

Recently, Dan Poulter and Natalie Elphicke have also left the Conservative Party to join Labour, marking a challenging period for Rishi Sunak.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 11

For an optimal viewing experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.

Sir Keir Starmer is marking the third instance of a Conservative switching allegiance to Labour in just over a month.

Mark Logan, who became the Conservative MP for Bolton North East in 2019, informed Sky News that he is leaving the Conservative Party and is encouraging voters to support Labour in the upcoming general election on July 4.

Mr. Logan informed Ali Fortescue on Sky News's Politics Hub that he has decided against pursuing a position as a Labour representative. He stated, "Today's choice revolved around whether to continue as a Conservative MP or support Labour… and I have chosen to support Labour."

However, he noted: "It's simply a period for transformation. It's a moment for hope with a fresh initiative. I think that is what the Labour Party is bringing to the table."

Over the past few months, he has strongly criticized the government's stance on Gaza and is currently urging the UK to acknowledge Palestine as an independent nation.

Stay updated: Live coverage on the party switch and the latest general election news

At a recent event, Labour leader Sir Keir expressed his delight at welcoming a new member to the party, stating, "People throughout the nation are turning to Labour in hopes of a new direction. I am thrilled that Mark Logan has chosen to support Labour in the forthcoming general election."

"After 14 years of Conservative shortcomings, the electorate is gravitating back towards Labour, recognizing that our party has transformed and is once again dedicated to the working class. It is time to end the turmoil, start a new chapter, and restore Britain."

Born in Northern Ireland, 40-year-old Mr. Logan captured his parliamentary seat from the Labour Party in the 2019 general elections by a narrow margin of 378 votes. The seat had been under Labour's control since 1997, although it was once a stronghold for the Conservatives.

A previous British diplomat stationed in China, who is proficient in Mandarin and Japanese, made a significant career change after confidential discussions with Labour's chief whip, Sir Alan Campbell, and associates from Sir Keir Starmer's close advisory group.

Mr. Logan was scheduled to contest the seat in the upcoming general election.

In political news, Abbott alleges that Starmer is purging left-wing members from the Labour Party. Polls indicate potential challenges for Starmer during difficult times ahead.

In a "personal statement" penned on Commons letterhead shortly before the dissolution of parliament on Thursday, Mr. Logan referenced Labour's iconic 1996 election song, "Things Can Only Get Better."

He stated: "Labour has returned, and considering recent circumstances, I am confident that improvements are on the horizon.

Following a period of deep reflection during my initial term as a Member of Parliament, intensified by the recent announcement of an unexpected election, I have reached the decision that it is time for a change in leadership. I am convinced that the best future for the UK would be under a new Labour government.

"There's a call for rejuvenated energy and a positive outlook, both in rhetoric and in action, which seems to be embodied by Keir Starmer and his colleagues."

"I am stepping down from the Conservative Party effective immediately. Consequently, I will not be running for re-election in our constituency in the forthcoming general election."

He ended by saying, "The first time I cast my vote, it was in favour of the Labour Party. When I vote again, it will still be for Labour."

Stay informed with the most recent updates from both the UK and international scenes by tuning into Sky News.

The recent defection not only serves as a significant embarrassment for Rishi Sunak, but it also reflects poorly on the prime minister given that Mr. Logan was a lower-ranking official, serving as a parliamentary private secretary to ministers at the Department for Work and Pensions.

He is the third Conservative member to switch allegiance to the Labour Party since late April, after Dan Poulter and Natalie Elphicke, and the fourth to do so since the previous election, with Christian Wakeford having made the move in January 2022.

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News application at no cost.

Following the Hamas strikes against Israel on October 7 of the previous year, Mr. Logan, who represents an area with a significant Muslim community, has become more outspoken in his criticism of both British policy and Israeli actions in Gaza during the conflict.

During a heated debate in the Commons in February about an SNP motion calling for an immediate ceasefire, he openly disagreed with his party's stance, asserting that Israel had "exceeded acceptable limits."

Challenging the official stance, he declared to the MPs, "Regrettably, I can no longer support, in good conscience, the position we have maintained on this side of the House and endorse it publicly."

👆 Click this link to subscribe to the Politics at Jack at Sam's podcast on your preferred platform 👇

During a television interview in March, Mr. Logan criticized former deputy Conservative chair Lee Anderson for displaying Islamophobic behavior. He suggested that Anderson should issue an apology for the remarks he made about London mayor Sadiq Khan following his switch from the Conservative Party to Reform UK.

In his last speech in the Commons on Gaza, just two days prior to Prime Minister Sunak's unexpected call for a general election, Mr. Logan fiercely confronted Andrew Mitchell, the deputy foreign secretary.

He stated, "The people in Bolton are furious," explaining that based on findings from the International Criminal Court, there were "actions taken to employ starvation as a warfare tactic" in addition to acts of violence.

Reports indicate that the general populace in Gaza is being subjected to collective punishment, and there are signs that Israel has deliberately and methodically stripped civilians across Gaza of essential resources needed for survival.

"Instead of focusing solely on how history will judge us, shouldn't we concentrate on making the right choices in the present?"

Associated Subjects

Sky News Bottom Section

Information About Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Sky Network Channels

Additional Sky Websites