The MP for Bury South, Christian Wakeford, has defected from the Conservatives to Labour over the government's handling of the 'Partygate' scandal engulfing Downing Street.

In a letter telling the Prime Minister about his decision, the MP and campaigner against antisemitism also spoke of Sir Keir Starmer's battle to rid his part of Jew-hate. Addressing Boris Johnson, he said: “You and the Conservative Party as a whole have shown themselves incapable of offering the leadership and government this country deserves”.

He also branded Boris Johnson "disgraceful" as well as taking aim at the policy decisions of the Conservative party, while at the same time praising the Labour leader for his "integrity".

Wakeford also made specific mention of the way that Starmer has handled antisemitism in the Labour party, saying: "I do believe in the power of politics to be a force
for good. So does Keir Starmer. He has shown that integrity in the way he has lead his party on issues that matter to me, not least the vital challenge of combatting antisemitism.

"I will always put the people of Bury South first and will continue to speak out for the changes the area needs."

Welcoming Mr. Wakeford to Labour, Keir Starmer said: "He has always put the people of Bury South first.

"As Christian said, the policies of the Conservative government are doing nothing to help the people of Bury South and indeed are only making the struggles they face on a daily basis worse."

Mr. Wakeford is currently the co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Jews a group within parliament, working "To celebrate the culture, contribution and achievements of the UK's Jewish community."

The constituency of Bury South encompasses Prestwich and Whitefield, areas of Greater Manchester with some of the largest Jewish communities outside London.