Saturday, 20 Apr 2024

Independent Group: Which MPs could be next to defect?

Speculation is mounting in Westminster about which MP could be next to quit their party and join the new Independent Group.

Labour’s deputy leader Tom Watson has admitted if the party does not change “we may see more” groups of MPs leaving.

Several of his backbenchers, and those from the Tory side have hinted their future in the two biggest parties is far from certain.

Sky News unpicks who could be next to go.

Justine Greening, Conservative

The former education secretary was name-checked by the original Tory splitters in their press conference, and said she could not “stay part” of a party that backed a no-deal Brexit.

Dominic Grieve, Conservative

The ex-attorney general and thorn in the government’s side has categorically confirmed he would leave under the same circumstances.

Phillip Lee, Conservative

Chairman of the Right to Vote campaign for another referendum Phillip Lee has ruled out stepping down now. But he told Sky News: “If the Conservative party doesn’t change direction it won’t just be me considering my position.”

Richard Harrington, Conservative

The business minister has been one of the strongest critics of the government’s indulgence in the chance of a no-deal Brexit. He said he “perfectly understands” why three Tories have already quit.

Ian Austin, Labour

One of Jeremy Corbyn’s most vociferous critics has admitted he is thinking “very carefully” about whether to leave Labour over a culture of “extremism, antisemitism and intolerance”.

Siobhain McDonagh, Labour

The long-serving Mitcham and Morden MP said when asked if there was a chance she would have left Labour in a month’s time: “I hope not.”

Jess Phillips, Labour

She has ruled out joining the Independent Group for now but admitted to Sky News: “I find it very hard to disagree with a lot of what they were saying.”

Ian Murray, Labour

Labour’s sole Scottish MP between the 2015 and 2017 elections, Ian Murray said the choice was up to Mr Corbyn whether to change Labour or “force out” MPs.

Neil Coyle, Labour

Another long-time critic of Mr Corbyn was rumoured to be on the verge of resigning the whip, but has assured Sky News for now he is “staying and fighting”.

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