The Independent Group applies to register as a political party and appoints Heidi Allen as interim leader
The Independent Group said today that it has applied to register as a political party and said it has appointed former Conservative MP Heidi Allen as interim leader.
The breakaway group of MPs this week submitted an application to establish a new political party: Change UK – The Independent Group.
It said it plans to field candidates in European elections that may come about as a result of the extension of the Article 50 process.
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Prime Minister Theresa May has previously said the UK will not participate in the upcoming European elections, however, if there is a long extension to Article 50 the EU has said Britain would have to take part.
If the elections do take place, polling day is likely to be on 23 May, with the close of nominations for MPE candidates on 24 April.
The Independent Group said those wishing to register a new political party in time to field candidates have been advised to submit their applications urgently, but said there is no guarantee of registration in time for nominations.
Allen said: “If we are to deliver on our ambition to change politics for the better, it is vital that we attract support from people from every walk of life, every political background and none. Coming into the House of Commons from running my manufacturing business in 2015, I have seen with my own eyes how improved our political system would be if it harnessed the diverse skills and experience of our country.
“We in Change UK, as we hope to be known, don't just dream about a fairer and better future for our country, we are determined to unleash it through hard work, passion and shared endeavour.”
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Group spokesperson, former Labour MP Chuka Umunna, said: “There is clearly an appetite for an alternative to our broken politics which needs fundamental change, as shown by the disastrous Brexit process which has occurred under the watch of the two main parties. A new party will shake up the two-party system and provide people with an alternative that can change our country for the better. This is what Change UK will be aiming to do at any European elections if our application for registration is accepted in time.
“The Independent Group is a diverse group of MPs which reflects modern Britain, drawn from different generations and backgrounds including a former GP, teacher, lecturer, social worker, solicitor and TV presenter. We intend to draw on all the voices of our group in any European election campaign. We will seek to put forward a substantial number of MEP candidates with backgrounds from outside of politics.”