Tory Exodus: Mark Logan Joins Labour in Call for New Government Amidst Series of Conservative Defections

Mark Logan switches allegiance to Labour, citing the necessity for a change in government

Recently, Dan Poulter and Natalie Elphicke also moved from the Conservatives to Labour, marking a challenging period for Rishi Sunak.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Thursday, May 30, 2024, 11:

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

Mark Logan, the Conservative MP for Bolton North East since 2019, has announced to Sky News that he is leaving the Conservative Party. He is also encouraging voters to support Labour in the upcoming general election on July 4.

Mr. Logan spoke to Sky News's Politics Hub With Ali Fortescue, announcing that he would not pursue a new position under the Labour banner. He stated, "Today's choice revolved around either continuing as a Conservative MP or supporting Labour… and I have chosen to support the latter."

He also stated, "It's a period for transformation, a period for hope inspired by a fresh initiative. I am convinced that this is what the Labour Party is bringing to the table."

Over the past few months, he has strongly opposed the government's stance on Gaza and is currently urging the UK to officially acknowledge Palestine as a sovereign nation.

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At a recent gathering, Labour leader Sir Keir expressed his enthusiasm for the addition of a new party member, stating, "Citizens throughout the nation are turning to Labour in hopes of transformation. I am delighted 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 we have transformed and are once again dedicated to the working class. It's time to end the disorder, start a new chapter, and restore Britain."

Born in Northern Ireland, 40-year-old Mr. Logan narrowly secured his parliamentary seat from the Labour Party in the 2019 general election, winning by a margin of only 378 votes. The seat, which had been under Labour control since 1997, was formerly a Conservative stronghold.

A previous British diplomat stationed in China, who is proficient in both Mandarin and Japanese, made a significant career change after confidential discussions with Labour's chief whip, Sir Alan Campbell, and key figures from Sir Keir Starmer's core team.

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

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In a "personal statement" using official Commons letterhead, penned shortly before the dissolution of parliament on Thursday, Mr. Logan made reference to Labour's 1997 campaign song, "Things Can Only Get Better."

He stated: "Labour has returned, and considering recent circumstances, I am confident that the situation will improve.

"After a great deal of reflection during my initial term in office, intensified by the sudden announcement of an election last week, I have come to the decision that it's time for a change in leadership. I am convinced that the best future for the UK lies with a Labour government."

"There is a clear need for reinvigorated energy and a more hopeful outlook, both in discourse and in action. I think we're already witnessing this shift with 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 finished by saying, "The first time I cast my ballot, it was in support of the Labour Party. The next time I head to the polls, my vote will again go to Labour."

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The recent defection is not only a significant blow to Rishi Sunak's leadership but also a source of embarrassment given that Mr. Logan, who defected, held a relatively minor yet important role as a parliamentary private secretary to ministers at the Department for Work and Pensions.

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

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Following the Hamas strikes against Israel on October 7 of the previous year, Mr. Logan, representing an area with a significant Muslim demographic, has voiced growing disapproval of the UK's stance and the measures taken by the Israeli government in its Gaza operations.

During a contentious debate in the Commons in February, concerning an SNP motion calling for an instant ceasefire, he notably diverged from his party's position, asserting that Israel had "exceeded acceptable limits."

Challenging official party stance, he declared to the members of parliament, "Regrettably, I can no longer support, with a clear conscience, the position we have adopted on this side of the House and endorse it publicly."

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During a television interview in March, Mr. Logan criticized ex-deputy Conservative chair Lee Anderson for his anti-Islamic remarks, suggesting that he owed an apology for the comments he directed at London mayor Sadiq Khan following his switch from the Conservative Party to Reform UK.

In his last address to the Commons on the Gaza issue, just two days prior to Mr. Sunak's unexpected call for a general election, Mr. Logan forcefully confronted Andrew Mitchell, the deputy foreign secretary.

"He announced, 'My constituents in Bolton are outraged today as they've recognized from the International Criminal Court's findings that there are actions suggesting the use of starvation as a wartime strategy, coupled with acts of violence.'"

Reports indicate that the civilian population in Gaza has been subjected to collective punishment, and there are claims that Israel has deliberately and consistently denied essential supplies needed for survival to civilians across all areas of Gaza.

"Instead of focusing solely on historical correctness, are we committed to making the right choices in the present?"

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