In a dramatic turn of events at PMQs, a senior Conservative member was expelled after facing sharp criticism from Keir Starmer regarding party defections. Richard Holden, the Shadow Transport Secretary, was ejected from the chamber by Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle following a warning about his conduct.
Sir Lindsay quipped to Holden, “As the shadow secretary for transport, you might catch the express train soon,” hinting at potential defection. Starmer then humorously suggested Holden could be a future defector to Reform, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the audience.
Pointing to Reform MPs, Starmer indicated, “Those who shout the loudest often end up there.” As tensions escalated, Sir Lindsay intervened, instructing Holden to leave, stating, “I’ve had enough.”
Earlier, Keir Starmer had taunted Kemi Badenoch concerning former Tory member Robert Jenrick’s switch to another party. Starmer remarked, “They shout one day and defect the next.” Jenrick, who had previously heckled Starmer, switched allegiance to Reform after his intentions were exposed.
During the exchange at PMQs, Starmer highlighted the significance of observing those who are most vocal. In response, Badenoch defended her actions, emphasizing that she took swift action against party disloyalty.
Starmer criticized Badenoch for only dismissing Jenrick after his defection was public, implying she should have acted sooner. Despite the verbal sparring, Badenoch remained composed and emphasized the positive impact of fewer dissident Tory MPs, aligning with popular sentiment.