Independent Group's new members blasted by constituents for 'abandoning Labour' as they call for immediate by-elections

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Olivia Tobin18 February 2019
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Constituents have hit out at a group of former MPs who announced they were leaving Labour today, claiming the politicians have “abandoned" the party.

Streatham MP Chuka Umunna led the group of seven in announcing they would form a “new group of independent MPs” in “protest over the future of British politics” on Monday morning.

The seven MPs, who are calling themselves The Independent Group, quit over Jeremy Corbyn’s handling of Brexit and claims of anti-Semitism at a dramatic press conference.

The MPs who quit Labour are: Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Ann Coffey, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker and Mike Gapes.

The seven MPs made a joint announcement on Monday
Matt Writtle

Streatham residents criticised Mr Umunna, who has held the south London seat since 2010, for his choice to leave the party.

The Streatham Ethnic Minorities Forum tweeted it was “disappointed” at the announcement, with some calling for a by-election.

Martin Abrams said: “I’m a Labour member and constituent of Chuka Umunna in Streatham. I pounded the streets during #GE2017 to elect Chuka on a Democratic Socialist Labour manifesto. He should immediately resign his seat and call a by-election.”

Pavel Itoje tweeted the MP to say: “As a life-long constituent, I demand a second referendum and I demand your resignation as MP for Streatham and a by-election.”

Some of Mr Umunna’s constituents praised him for his announcement, however.

REUTERS

Helen Thompson said: “I respect Chuka Umunna’s decision to leave Labour. Asking Streatham residents to vote for a party he so publically disagrees with is an untenable position.”

East London residents were also quick to criticise Mike Gapes, MP for Ilford South.

Mr Gapes said he was "sickened" that the Labour party was now, as he called it, a "racist, anti-Semitic party".

He added that "a Corbyn Labour government would threaten our naitonal security and international alliances".

Gareth Branding said: “You were elected on the 2017 Labour manifesto. By resigning from the party, you no longer represent the manifesto, and you should trigger a by-election to get your own mandate, rather than hanging on via the party you’ve now abandoned.”

Others hailed the MP of 27 years “brave” for his choice to leave the party.

(Stefan Rousseau/PA )
Stefan Rousseau/PA

MP for Liverpool Wavertree Luciana Berger was the first to announce a breakaway from the party, but has also had constituents lament her loss from Labour.

Ms Berger, who is Jewish, said: "I cannot remain in a party that I have come to the sickening conclusion is institutionally anti-Semitic".

Toby Lynch said: “I live in Liverpool Wavertree and am a lifelong Labour voter. I vote for party, not constituency. I am by no means anti-Semitic but did not vote for Luciana Berger (who I think is an excellent constituency MP, incidentally) as an independent. We clearly need a by-election now.”

Other constituents of Ms Berger argued she was principled in her decision to leave. Warren Bradley wrote: “I have respect for you and the decision you have taken.

“If you’re going to stand in Liverpool Wavertree again, you will get my vote. Well done for having a principled stand.”

Residents in Nottingham East, Chris Leslie constituency, were also disappointed at the MP’s announcement.

In a video announcement posted on Twitter, Mr Leslie was inundated with messages calling on him to hold an election.

One user replied: “You were elected on a Labour manifesto, do the right thing and call a by-election.”

Another replied claiming Mr Lesie was on the “right side of history” and did the right thing in leaving the party.

Melanie wrote: “You’re principled and I agree with everything you’ve said. Thank you for fighting to stop Brexit. You’ll be on the right side of history.”

The packed press conference saw over 100 reporters attend today, as MPs made their announcement.

PA

In response to the seven MP's announcement, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he was "dissapointed to see these MPs have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions, at least at the election."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said he is “deeply distressed” by the Labour split, but admitted the party has been “shockingly poor” at dealing with anti-Semitism.

Mr Khan said: “History tells us that when the Labour Party splits, it leads to the Conservative Party winning the next election and the one after that and the one after that.”

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Jon Trickett said the breakaway involved “Remainers splintering to form a pro-EU party” and questioned whether some Tories could follow them.

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