Yep. I also think critics need to consider the timing of the defection.
Pre the election announcement. Labour would need to have been considering the possibility of a Vote of no confidence in the government.
At that point every tory MP taking the Labour whip. Was a move towards it being winnable. Rather then calling and depending on a % of tory whip MPs voting to lose their jobs.
Tories moving to Labour were openly telling the party they would support them in such a vote. While in all cases saying we will not continue as Labour MPs if the tories lose. And an election is forced.
Tactically at the time. Labour would be dumb to reject any tory defection.
Yep. I also think critics need to consider the timing of the defection.
Pre the election announcement. Labour would need to have been considering the possibility of a Vote of no confidence in the government.
At that point every tory MP taking the Labour whip. Was a move towards it being winnable. Rather then calling and depending on a % of tory whip MPs voting to lose their jobs.
Tories moving to Labour were openly telling the party they would support them in such a vote. While in all cases saying we will not continue as Labour MPs if the tories lose. And an election is forced.
Tactically at the time. Labour would be dumb to reject any tory defection.