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

James Morris10 July 2019
WEST END FINAL

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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.

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.

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