4 June 2019 | UK NEWS
Six of Change UK’s MPs have split from the fledgling party, returning to being known as The Independent Group. Change UK will continue with its remaining five MPs. The six who left today were Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Angela Smith, Heidi Allen, Gavin Shuker and Sarah Wollaston. This leaves Anna Soubry now leading the far smaller Change UK party.
Writing in a joint letter announcing their departure, these MPs said that they must now give priority to providing “collegiate leadership to bring people together”. They do not appear to have given any further details on the reason or timing of the split.
Over in the Liberal Democrat camp, Jamie Stone and Wera Hobhouse have now entered the race, nominations for which close on Friday. It is even rumoured in Westminster that Chuka Umunna may jump ship once more this week, join the Liberal Democrats and then enter its leadership contest, in what would certainly be considered a further controversial move. It comes as another rumour is circulating that Vince Cable may be reconsidering his decision to stand down, given the Lib Dems’ comparatively stellar performance in last month’s European Parliament elections.
Turning to the Conservatives, James Cleverly has stunned many of his backers by withdrawing from the race in a 45-second concession video, citing a lack of support numbers as the reason for his decision. In a much more low-key announcement, it has now been confirmed that Kit Malthouse has pulled out of the race as well.
In other major news from Westminster, Donald Trump’s state visit has of course continued, with the US President today praising the “extraordinary” alliance between his country and the UK in a speech made alongside Theresa May, while some fairly low-key protests were held in central London, including the flying of the controversial Trump Blimp. Sources on the ground suggest that turnout for these was rather low, with the protesters having form in leaving behind a considerable amount of rubbish. The Queen also held an audience with Australia’s new Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, at Buckingham Palace today.
The Guardian carries the Labour Party leadership’s view on Mr Trump’s state visit in a story today. Elsewhere, The Independent reports on Nigel Farage’s meeting with the US President this afternoon.
