
BLAIRITE-TORY political alliance Change UK has split, just four months after forming.
Six out of 11 Change UK MPs quit yesterday following the party’s dismal results in the European Parliament elections, in which it failed to gain a single seat and lost its deposit in most regions.
High-profile figures including former leader Heidi Allen, Chuka Umunna and Luciana Berger walked out, as did Gavin Shuker, Angela Smith and Sarah Wollaston.
Former Tory minister Anna Soubry will now lead the decimated party, whose other remaining MPs are Chris Leslie, Joan Ryan, Mike Gapes and Ann Coffey.
Ms Soubry, who quit the Conservative Party in protest at its Brexit stance, said: “I’m deeply disappointed that, at such a crucial time in British politics, our former colleagues have made this decision.
“Now is not the time to walk away but instead to roll up our sleeves and stand up for the sensible mainstream centre ground which is unrepresented in British politics today.
“Going forward, the Change UK MPs are as determined to fix Britain’s broken politics as we were when we left our former parties.”
Rumours are rife that some of the departing Change UK MPs, including Mr Umunna, may join the Liberal Democrats.
Lib Dem deputy leader Jo Swinson has called on all “pro-Remain politicians” to join the “liberal movement,” telling MPs: “Our door is absolutely open.”
Change UK formed in February, when seven MPs quit Labour over the party’s leadership, its policy on Brexit and its alleged poor handling of anti-semitism complaints.
On the day of the party’s launch, former Labour MP Ms Smith referred in a TV interview to ethnic minorities having a “funny tinge.”
The party also became embroiled in a legal spat over its name with campaigning petition website Change.org.

