Oldham MP backs party amid mass resignations

The Independent Group MPs

They include Chuka Umunna, who was being tipped by many as being the next leader of the party.

Others to have quit include Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, who represents Penistone and Stockbridge, Gavin Shuker, Mike Gapes and Ann Coffey, who represents Stockport.

In a statement the seven said they’re leaving the Labour Party to sit as “the Independent Group of Members of Parliament.”

They added: “Labour now pursues policies that would weaken our national security; accepts the narratives of states hostile to our country; has failed to take a lead in addressing the challenge of Brexit and to provide a strong and coherent alternative to the Conservatives’ approach”

However, Oldham MP Jim McMahon has backed the Labour Party in a tweet, sent moments after the seven members announced their resignations.

It’s very sad to see colleagues leave the Labour Party, in particular fellow co-operators in parliament.

Labour is part of who I am, my identity, and it’s hardwired into our working class movement.

I believe we are stronger when the Labour family is together.

— Jim McMahon MP (@JimfromOldham) February 18, 2019

Mr McMahon said: “It’s very sad to see colleagues leave the Labour Party, in particular fellow co-operators in parliament. Labour is part of who I am, my identity, and it’s hardwired into our working class movement. I believe we are stronger when the Labour family is together.”

In a statement, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn responded to the resignations by saying: “I am disappointed that these MPs have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions at the last election and saw us increase our vote by the largest share since 1945.

“Labour won people over on a programme for the many not the few – redistributing wealth and power, taking vital resources into public ownership, investing in every region and nation, and tackling climate change.”

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