Independent Group of MPs appoints convener at first meeting
They unanimously appointed former Labour MP Gavin Shuker as convener, but did not elect a leader.
They unanimously appointed former Labour MP Gavin Shuker as convener, but did not elect a leader.
Eight Labour MPs and three Tories quit their parties to form a new breakaway grouping at Westminster.
Chuka Umunna is one of eight ex-Labour MPs who have joined forces with three former Tories to form a new group in the Commons.
The Labour leader says he has no intention of changing anti-austerity policies on which it fought the last general election.
The week saw Theresa May head to Brussels for Brexit talks while a group of MPs quit the Tory and Labour benches to form a pro-Europe bloc.
The European Research Group of Tories should be ‘dealt with’, former minister Phillip Lee said.
Former Labour shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna was tipped by ex-Tory MP Heidi Allen.
Ex-Labour MP Gavin Shuker indicated the group could do a confidence and supply deal if the Prime Minister agrees to a public vote on her Brexit deal.
The Scottish Secretary said he believes a Brexit deal is still achievable and that leaving the EU without a deal must be avoided.
Sarah Wollaston is one of three MPs who quit the Conservatives to join the new Independent Group – and there is speculation more could follow.
Former prime minister David Cameron made a last-minute appeal for Tory MPs not to quit the party.
Theresa May’s handling of Brexit was one of the main reasons highlighted for the split.
Tom Watson said he was not informed of the plan to allow voters to force defecting MPs to face re-election.
The defections of Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston have swollen the ranks of the new grouping to 11 MPs.
Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston have joined The Independent Group in Parliament.