Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Politics
James Morris

The Independents: Ex-Change UK MPs form ANOTHER political group

Clockwise from top left: Heidi Allen, Luciana Berger, Angela Smith and Gavin Shuker (Picture: PA/Getty Images)

Ex-Change UK MPs have formed yet another political grouping.

Heidi Allen, Luciana Berger, Gavin Shuker and Angela Smith – who quit new party Change UK last month after its European elections disaster – have formed a “co-operative” called The Independents.

It quashes rumours, particularly surrounding Ms Allen, that the MPs could join the Liberal Democrats like Chuka Umunna, who also quit Change UK.

John Woodcock, who resigned from the Labour Party in July last year, is also part of the new bloc.

Change UK: Six MPs quit as Anna Soubry becomes leader

In a statement, The Independents said it is not a political party, as Change UK was, and wants to work with MPs from all parties.

“The Independents is the new home for independent politicians in Westminster,” the co-operative said in a statement.

“It launches today to encourage a stronger spirit of cross-party working and its members will work collaboratively in the national interest, including to prevent a damaging no-deal Brexit which will put the jobs and futures of young people of this country at risk.”

Mr Woodcock had been suspended by Labour over sexual harassment allegations, which he denies. The Independents said he would “submit himself to the fully independent complaints process”.

Sarah Wollaston, who was the other Change UK MP to quit last month, is not part of the grouping as it launches.

Change UK has continued as a political party, with its five remaining members being Anna Soubry, Chris Leslie, Joan Ryan, Mike Gapes and Ann Coffey.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.