Why is the move so shocking? Well, Elphicke has previously insulted Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, for starters, calling him “confused and muddled.” A pretty awkward way to start a new working relationship. She’s also been described as super right-wing, even for the Tories. What’s more, her new colleague, shadow secretary Rachel Reeves, once told her to “f*** off” following controversial comments about Marcus Rashford (more on that later).