Change UK#Frontbench team

File:The Independent Group Logo.png

The group was founded by MPs Luciana Berger, Ann Coffey, Mike Gapes, Chris Leslie, Gavin Shuker, Angela Smith and Chuka Umunna, after they announced their resignations from the opposition Labour Party on 18 February 2019. Rather than forming a party, they referred to themselves as The Independent Group (TIG). Leslie, Shuker and Smith had previously lost no-confidence motions brought by their Constituency Labour Parties.{{cite news |last=Bush |first=Stephen |date=28 September 2018 |title=Labour MP Chris Leslie loses confidence vote by his CLP |work=New Statesman |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2018/09/labour-mp-chris-leslie-loses-confidence-vote-his-clp |access-date=30 July 2020}}{{cite news |date=21 September 2018 |title=Jeremy Corbyn: Gavin Shuker vote 'not start of deselection' |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-45599393 |access-date=30 July 2020}}{{cite news |first=Ben|last=Barnett|date=17 November 2018 |title=Vote of no confidence passed in Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Angela Smith |work=Yorkshire Post |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/vote-of-no-confidence-passed-in-penistone-and-stocksbridge-mp-angela-smith-1-9449554 |access-date=30 July 2020}} Berger had had two brought against her, both withdrawn.{{cite news |date=8 February 2019 |title=No-confidence vote in Labour MP Luciana Berger pulled |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-47178203 |url-status=live |access-date=30 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210001509/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-47178203 |archive-date=10 February 2019}} Ian Murray planned to resign alongside the others but pulled out shortly before the launch.{{Cite web |first=Torcuil| last=Crichton |date=4 September 2020 |title=Labour's only Scottish MP almost quit over Jeremy Corbyn's leadership |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/ian-murray-almost-quit-labour-22627344 |access-date=9 September 2020 |work=Daily Record}}

The media compared TIG to the Gang of Four who split from Labour to found the Social Democratic Party (today the centrist Liberal Democrats) in 1981.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3649648/Can-anyone-explain-The-Gang-of-Four.html |title=Can anyone explain? The Gang of Four |last=Howse |first=Christopher |date=26 January 2006 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=20 February 2019 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220181309/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3649648/Can-anyone-explain-The-Gang-of-Four.html |archive-date=20 February 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/02/18/labour-backlash-begins-gang-seven-mps-branded-traitors-told/|title=Labour backlash begins as 'Gang of Seven' MPs branded 'traitors' and told by John McDonnell to trigger by-elections|first1=Jack|last1=Maidment |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=18 February 2019|access-date=20 February 2019 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220032508/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/02/18/labour-backlash-begins-gang-seven-mps-branded-traitors-told/ |archive-date=20 February 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Nandy |first1=Lisa |author-link1=Lisa Nandy |last2=Foster |first2=Dawn |last3=Moore |first3=Suzanne |last4=Harker |first4=Joseph |last5=Sodha |first5=Sonia |author-link5=Sonia Sodha |last6=Balls |first6=Katy |title=Are the gang of seven right to split from Labour? Our panel responds |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/feb/18/split-labour-writers-verdict-independent-group |access-date=20 February 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220005026/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/feb/18/split-labour-writers-verdict-independent-group |archive-date=20 February 2019 |url-status=live}} Four of the seven founding members (Berger, Gapes, Shuker and Leslie) had been Labour and Co-operative Party MPs; they left both parties.{{cite news |url=https://www.thenews.coop/136546/topic/politics/four-co-op-party-mps-quit-labour-party-part-breakaway-group/ |title=Four Co-op Party MPs quit the Labour Party as part of breakaway group|first=Miles |last=Hadfield |publisher=Co-operative Press |work=Co-op News |date=18 February 2019 |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219020039/https://www.thenews.coop/136546/topic/politics/four-co-op-party-mps-quit-labour-party-part-breakaway-group/ |archive-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=live}} Announcing the resignations, Berger described Labour as having become "institutionally antisemitic", while Leslie said Labour had been "hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left" and Gapes said he was "furious that the Labour leadership is complicit in facilitating Brexit".{{cite web |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2019/02/11-british-lawmakers-independent-group-brexit/583168/ |title=About a Dozen Lawmakers Just Made Brexit More Complicated |first=Yasmeen |last=Serhan |date=20 February 2019 |work=The Atlantic |access-date=21 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221022134/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2019/02/11-british-lawmakers-independent-group-brexit/583168/ |archive-date=21 February 2019 |url-status=live}}

On the day TIG launched, Smith appeared on the BBC's Politics Live programme, where she said, in a discussion about racism, that: "The recent history of the party I've just left suggested it's not just about being black or a funny tin... you know, a different... from the BAME community". The offending phrase was partially uttered, but it was widely reported to be "funny tinge". Smith apologised shortly afterwards, saying, "I'm very upset that I misspoke so badly."{{cite news |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/labour-split-mp-angela-smith-describes-bme-people-as-funny-tin_uk_5c6ab90ae4b033a79944fd1b |title=Labour Split MP Appears To Describe BAME People As Having A 'Funny Tinge' |first=Ned |last=Simons |date=18 February 2019 |work=HuffPost UK |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219020028/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/labour-split-mp-angela-smith-describes-bme-people-as-funny-tin_uk_5c6ab90ae4b033a79944fd1b |archive-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/angela-smith-independent-group-mp-racism-row-funny-tinged-bame-people-video/ |title=Independent Group MP Angela Smith apologises after seeming to describe BAME people as 'funny tinged' |first=Albert|last=Evans |date=18 February 2019 |work=The i |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219072934/https://inews.co.uk/news/angela-smith-independent-group-mp-racism-row-funny-tinged-bame-people-video/ |archive-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=live}} Commentators{{who|date=February 2024}} noted an irony, given the fact that the group had been formed in response to perceived racism.{{cite web |url=https://mediadiversified.org/2019/02/19/angela-smiths-funny-tinge-comment-showed-she-was-right-about-institutional-racism |title=Angela Smith's "funny tinge" comment showed she was right about institutional racism |last=Irving |first=Angelo |date=19 February 2019 |work=Media Diversified |access-date=21 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220190236/https://mediadiversified.org/2019/02/19/angela-smiths-funny-tinge-comment-showed-she-was-right-about-institutional-racism/ |archive-date=20 February 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://metro.co.uk/2019/02/19/new-funny-tinge-jokes-continue-to-ridicule-angela-smiths-racism-gaffe-8669448 |title=New 'funny tinge' jokes continue to ridicule Angela Smith's racism gaffe |last=Smith |first=Adam |date=19 February 2019 |work=Metro|access-date=21 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220155005/https://metro.co.uk/2019/02/19/new-funny-tinge-jokes-continue-to-ridicule-angela-smiths-racism-gaffe-8669448/ |archive-date=20 February 2019 |url-status=live}}

The following day, Joan Ryan, who had the previous September lost a vote of no-confidence brought by her constituency party,{{cite web |url=https://news.sky.com/story/who-are-the-labour-mps-now-sitting-as-independents-11640943 |title=Who are the Tory and Labour MPs now sitting as independents? |date=20 February 2019 |access-date=20 February 2019 |publisher=Sky News |first=Rebecca |last=Taylor |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221000232/https://news.sky.com/story/who-are-the-labour-mps-now-sitting-as-independents-11640943 |archive-date=21 February 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/lfi-chair-joan-ryan-loses-local-no-confidence-vote-by-94-votes-to-92/ |title=LFI chair Joan Ryan loses local no confidence vote by 94 votes to 92 |work=Jewish News |date=6 September 2018 |access-date=7 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907033454/https://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/lfi-chair-joan-ryan-loses-local-no-confidence-vote-by-94-votes-to-92/ |archive-date=7 September 2018 |url-status=live}} announced her departure from Labour, becoming the first MP to join after TIG's formation.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-47300832 |title=Eighth MP quits Labour for Independent Group |date=19 February 2019 |work=BBC News |access-date=19 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219222328/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-47300832 |archive-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |first=Will |last=Kirby |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/joan-ryan-independent-group-labour-party-jeremy-corbyn-brexit-mp-a8787496.html |title=Joan Ryan: Labour MP resigns from party to join Independent Group, accusing Jeremy Corbyn of 'playing games with Brexit' |work=The Independent |date=19 February 2019 |access-date=19 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220063214/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/joan-ryan-independent-group-labour-party-jeremy-corbyn-brexit-mp-a8787496.html |archive-date=20 February 2019 |url-status=live}} The day after that, three MPs left the governing Conservative Party to join. Sarah Wollaston, Heidi Allen and Anna Soubry cited the handling of Brexit by the Prime Minister (including "red lines" which alienated most Remainers); the party's reliance on the European Research Group (which supported a no-deal Brexit) and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in passing Brexit-related legislation; what they saw as the takeover of the party by "right wing, ... hard-line anti-EU" MPs and its lack of concern for the "most vulnerable in society", as reasons for their departure.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47306022 |title=Three Tory MPs join Labour breakaway group |work=BBC News |date=20 February 2019 |access-date=20 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220112519/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47306022 |archive-date=20 February 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/20/tory-mps-defect-independent-group-soubry-allen-wollaston |title=Conservative split as rebels denounce grip of hardline Brexiters |date=21 February 2019 |work=The Guardian |access-date=17 April 2019 |last1=Stewart |first1=Heather |last2=Elgot |first2=Jessica |last3=Mason |first3=Rowena |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503022623/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/20/tory-mps-defect-independent-group-soubry-allen-wollaston |archive-date=3 May 2019 |url-status=live}}

Umunna rejected the notion of any merger with the Lib Dems.{{cite news |title=Seven MPs leave Labour Party in protest at Jeremy Corbyn's leadership |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-47278902 |work=BBC News |access-date=18 February 2019 |date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218102604/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-47278902 |archive-date=18 February 2019 |url-status=live}} Soubry called on one-nation Conservatives and "like-minded Lib Dems" to join TIG.{{cite news |title=Blow for May as 'three amigos' quit Tories and encourage others to follow |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/blow-may-three-amigos-quit-180517542.html |first1=David |last1=Hughes |first2=Andrew |last2=Woodcock |first3=Gavin |last3=Cordon |date=20 February 2019 |work=Yahoo News |access-date=1 June 2019}} A few former Conservative and Labour parliamentarians publicly switched allegiance,{{cite news |last1=Helm |first1=Toby |last2=Savage |first2=Michael |date=14 April 2019 |title=Tories hit by new defections and slump in opinion polls as party divide widens |url=http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/apr/14/stephen-dorrell-defection-change-uk-tory-poll-five-year-low |work=The Guardian |access-date=14 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414090707/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/apr/14/stephen-dorrell-defection-change-uk-tory-poll-five-year-low |archive-date=14 April 2019 |url-status=live}} while some Labour local councillors in England left the party for TIG.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/councillors-quit-labour-intimidation-and-prepare-to-join-tig-v6ln3xs37 |title=Councillors quit Labour 'intimidation' and prepare to join TIG |first1=Gabriel|last1=Pogrund|first2=Oliver|last2=Shah|first3=Caroline|last3=Wheeler|work=The Times |date=24 February 2019|access-date=24 February 2019 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224052548/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/councillors-quit-labour-intimidation-and-prepare-to-join-tig-v6ln3xs37 |archive-date=24 February 2019 |url-status=live}}

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}}In March, the group announced that it had applied to the Electoral Commission to register as a political party under the name "Change UK – The Independent Group", in order to be able to stand candidates if the UK participated in May's European elections.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47745166 |title=Breakaway MPs' group to rebrand as Change UK |date=29 March 2019 |access-date=29 March 2019 |work=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329194427/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47745166 |archive-date=29 March 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.theindependent.group/press/tig-applies-to-be-a-political-party-to-stand-in-european-elections |title=TIG applies to be a political party to stand in European elections |publisher=The Independent Group |date=29 March 2019 |access-date=29 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329131253/https://www.theindependent.group/press/tig-applies-to-be-a-political-party-to-stand-in-european-elections |archive-date=29 March 2019 |url-status=dead}} Heidi Allen was appointed interim leader, pending an inaugural party conference planned for September.{{cite news |url=https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/news/102876/independent-group-becomes-change-uk-stand-european-elections |title=The Independent Group becomes 'Change UK' to stand in European elections |first=Kevin |last=Schofield |date=29 March 2019 |work=Politics Home |access-date=29 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329122951/https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/news/102876/independent-group-becomes-change-uk-stand-european-elections |archive-date=29 March 2019 |url-status=live}}

The registration was confirmed by the Electoral Commission in April.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/apr/16/change-uk-independent-group-registers-as-political-party-ahead-of-european-elections |title=Change UK registers as political party ahead of European elections |work=The Guardian |last=Mason|first=Rowena |date=16 April 2019 |access-date=16 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416122347/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/apr/16/change-uk-independent-group-registers-as-political-party-ahead-of-european-elections |archive-date=16 April 2019 |url-status=live}} The party's proposed emblem, however, was rejected by the Commission, both for inclusion of the TIG acronym, which they considered insufficiently well-known, and for use of a hashtag.{{cite news |url=http://www.cityam.com/276370/independent-group-stand-european-elections-change-uk-but |title=The Independent Group's logo for European parliament elections is rejected |work=City A.M. |date=16 April 2019 |access-date=16 April 2019 |first=Sebastian |last=McCarthy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416155829/http://www.cityam.com/276370/independent-group-stand-european-elections-change-uk-but |archive-date=16 April 2019 |url-status=live}}

In April, the centrist Renew Party, which had formed in 2017 but not won any seats, announced it would be supporting Change UK – The Independent Group in the European elections. Change UK welcomed the move and said it would accept applications from Renew-approved candidates to stand for Change UK.{{cite news |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/brexit-news-latest-renew-party-folds-to-help-independent-group-in-european-elections-a4118581.html |title=Brexit news latest: Renew Party folds to 'help' Independent Group in European elections |first=James |last=Morris |work=Evening Standard |date=15 April 2019 |access-date=16 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416135253/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/brexit-news-latest-renew-party-folds-to-help-independent-group-in-european-elections-a4118581.html |archive-date=16 April 2019 |url-status=live}}

{{Main|2019 European Parliament election in the United Kingdom}}

MEPs Julie Girling and Richard Ashworth joined Change UK in April.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-47949665 |title=Change UK party approved for European elections |date=16 April 2019 |access-date=16 April 2019 |work=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416121639/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-47949665 |archive-date=16 April 2019 |url-status=live}} Both had been elected as Conservatives, but were suspended from the party after supporting a motion in the European Parliament saying sufficient progress had not been made in Brexit negotiations to allow trade talks to start.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-meps/mays-party-suspends-two-eu-lawmakers-over-brexit-vote-idUSKBN1CD0E6 |title=May's party suspends two EU lawmakers over Brexit vote |date=8 October 2017 |access-date=16 April 2019 |publisher=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416140057/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-meps/mays-party-suspends-two-eu-lawmakers-over-brexit-vote-idUSKBN1CD0E6 |archive-date=16 April 2019 |url-status=live}}

In May, Girling decided not to stand and encouraged Remain supporters in the South West to vote for the Lib Dems, saying they were "clearly the lead Remain party" in the region.{{cite news |url=https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/liberal-democrats/vince-cable/news/103786/change-uk-mep-urges-voters-back |title=Change UK MEP urges voters to back Lib Dems in European elections |work=Politics Home |first=Kevin |last=Schofield |date=10 May 2019 |access-date=10 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510145428/https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/liberal-democrats/vince-cable/news/103786/change-uk-mep-urges-voters-back |archive-date=10 May 2019 |url-status=dead}} Both Girling and Change UK later said that she had never been a member or one of their MEPs.{{cite tweet |user=PolhomeEditor |number=1126853312215748609 |title=Change UK say she's never been a member or one of their MEPs, as she confirmed to Adam. |first=Kevin |last=Schofield |date=10 May 2019}}

Change UK announced on 23 April that it would stand a full slate of candidates in Great Britain for the European elections, including Ashworth, writer Rachel Johnson (sister of Conservative MPs Jo and Boris Johnson), former BBC journalist Gavin Esler,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48021730 |title=Join the Remain alliance, urges Change UK at Euro election launch |date=23 April 2019 |access-date=23 April 2019 |work=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423093135/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48021730 |archive-date=23 April 2019 |url-status=live}} former Conservative MPs Stephen Dorrell and Neil Carmichael, former Labour MEP Carole Tongue, former Labour MPs Roger Casale and Jon Owen Jones, former Liberal Democrat MEP Diana Wallis,{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/live/2019/apr/23/brexit-latest-news-developments-theresa-may-chairs-cabinet-as-mps-return-to-commons-and-brexit-deadlock-continues-live-news?page=with:block-5cbee7b08f08c89bd9066a69#block-5cbee7b08f08c89bd9066a69 |title=Brexit: No 10 accuses Labour of dragging its feet in talks on withdrawal agreement compromise – live news |date=23 April 2019 |access-date=23 April 2019 |first=Andrew |last=Sparrow |work=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423113553/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/live/2019/apr/23/brexit-latest-news-developments-theresa-may-chairs-cabinet-as-mps-return-to-commons-and-brexit-deadlock-continues-live-news?page=with:block-5cbee7b08f08c89bd9066a69#block-5cbee7b08f08c89bd9066a69 |archive-date=23 April 2019 |url-status=live}} and Jacek Rostowski, the former deputy Prime Minister of Poland.{{cite web |url=https://emerging-europe.com/news/former-polish-deputy-pm-to-stand-for-european-parliament-for-change-uk/ |title=Former Polish deputy PM to stand for European parliament for Change UK |date=23 April 2019 |access-date=23 April 2019 |work=Emerging Europe |first=Shakhil |last=Shah |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423132306/https://emerging-europe.com/news/former-polish-deputy-pm-to-stand-for-european-parliament-for-change-uk/ |archive-date=23 April 2019 |url-status=dead}}

Within a day, controversial tweets, some allegedly racist, by two Change UK candidates – including the top one for the Scottish constituency – were discovered, leading those candidates to withdraw.{{cite tweet |user=TheIndGroup |number=1120740966393090048 |author=The Independent Group |date=23 April 2019 |access-date=23 April 2019 |title=Hi Jon – following discussions, Ali Sadjady has reflected on his inappropriate tweet from 2017 and agreed to stand down from the list of potential candidates.}}{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/change-uk-joseph-russo-twitter-eu-elections-candidate-racism-a8884041.html |title=Change UK: Second candidate resigns in 24 hours, after 'crazy black wh***' remarks emerge |date=24 April 2019 |access-date=24 April 2019 |work=The Independent |first=Jon |last=Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424115634/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/change-uk-joseph-russo-twitter-eu-elections-candidate-racism-a8884041.html |archive-date=24 April 2019 |url-status=live}} The Muslim Council of Great Britain and anti-racism charity Tell MAMA condemned the selection of a third candidate, Nora Mulready, who they said had conflated Islam with terrorism and legitimised the far right;{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/change-uk-launch-nora-mulready-islam-muslims-tommy-robinson-a8883946.html |title=Change UK candidate in Islamophobia row after Muslim terrorist and Tommy Robinson comments emerge |work=The Independent |first=Jon |last=Stone |date=24 April 2019 |access-date=24 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424151934/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/change-uk-launch-nora-mulready-islam-muslims-tommy-robinson-a8883946.html |archive-date=24 April 2019 |url-status=live}} this was dismissed by Mulready and Change UK as a "smear campaign".{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/change-uk-muslim-council-tommy-robinson-islam-european-elections-a8885611.html |title=Change UK says criticism by Muslim community groups is 'smear campaign' |date=25 April 2019 |access-date=25 April 2019 |first=Jon |last=Stone |work=The Independent |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425111620/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/change-uk-muslim-council-tommy-robinson-islam-european-elections-a8885611.html |archive-date=25 April 2019 |url-status=live}} Prominent LGBT journalists{{who|date=February 2024}} condemned the selection of Rostowski for his anti-gay marriage stance, although he was believed to have recanted homophobic remarks made in 2011 and 2013 about same-sex relationships.{{cite web |url=https://polandin.com/42351478/former-polish-finmin-called-out-in-uk-over-homophobia-comments |title=Former Polish FinMin called out in UK over 'homophobia' comments |publisher=Telewizja Polska |work=PolandIn.com |access-date=27 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427145015/https://polandin.com/42351478/former-polish-finmin-called-out-in-uk-over-homophobia-comments |archive-date=27 April 2019 |url-status=live |date=25 April 2019}}

In mid-May, David MacDonald, who had earlier replaced Joseph Russo as Change UK's lead candidate in Scotland following the controversy over the latter's tweets, defected from the party and encouraged supporters to vote for the Scottish Liberal Democrats.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/change-uk-david-macdonald-european-elections-lib-dems-defection-brexit-remain-a8914551.html |title=Change UK: European election candidate David Macdonald quits to support Liberal Democrats |first=Lizzy |last=Buchan |work=The Independent |date=15 May 2019 |access-date=15 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515111058/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/change-uk-david-macdonald-european-elections-lib-dems-defection-brexit-remain-a8914551.html |archive-date=15 May 2019 |url-status=live}} In an interview with The Times, the lead candidate in South West England, Rachel Johnson, described the party as a "sinking ship", criticised the leadership structure and said that Change UK was a "terrible" name.{{cite news |author=Bartlett, Nicola |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/change-uk-might-not-exist-16171564 |title=Change UK might not exist by the next general election admits party leader |work=Daily Mirror |date=20 May 2019 |access-date=26 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526170225/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/change-uk-might-not-exist-16171564 |archive-date=26 May 2019 |url-status=live}}

A week later, interim leader Heidi Allen suggested that the party might not exist at the next general election and hinted at the formation of an alliance with the Liberal Democrats.{{cite news |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/uk/change-uk-next-general-election-leader-heidi-allen-european-elections-2019/ |title=Change UK might not exist by the time of the next general election, interim leader Heidi Allen says |first=Albert |last=Evans |date=20 May 2019 |access-date=20 May 2019 |work=The i |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605125026/https://inews.co.uk/news/uk/change-uk-next-general-election-leader-heidi-allen-european-elections-2019/ |archive-date=5 June 2019 |url-status=live}} On 22 May, she said that she and Wollaston had wanted to advise Remain supporters to vote tactically for the Liberal Democrats in the European elections outside of London and South East England, but were overruled by other members. Allen said she threatened to resign as leader over the issue of whether to endorse the Liberal Democrats in some regions. She denied her party was in disarray.{{cite news |author=Frances Perraudin |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/22/change-uk-leader-heidi-allen-threatened-to-quit-over-lib-dem-row |title=Heidi Allen threatened to quit as Change UK leader over Lib Dem row |work=The Guardian |date=22 May 2019 |access-date=26 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525141117/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/22/change-uk-leader-heidi-allen-threatened-to-quit-over-lib-dem-row |archive-date=25 May 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |first=Sophie |last=Money |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/staggers/2019/05/heidi-allen-offers-quit-change-uk-leader |title=Heidi Allen offers to quit as Change UK leader |work=New Statesman |date=22 May 2019 |access-date=26 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522222453/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/staggers/2019/05/heidi-allen-offers-quit-change-uk-leader |archive-date=22 May 2019 |url-status=live}}

Between the European Parliament polling day and the count, with the Liberal Democrats expected to have done much better in the vote than Change UK, Umunna said that he thought a pact between Change UK and the Liberal Democrats at the next election "would be sensible".{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/25/change-uk-could-form-pro-remain-pact-with-liberal-democrats |title=Change UK open to forming pro-remain pact with Liberal Democrats |first=Mattha |last=Busby |newspaper=The Guardian |date=25 May 2019 |access-date=27 May 2019 |via=www.theguardian.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527122956/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/25/change-uk-could-form-pro-remain-pact-with-liberal-democrats |archive-date=27 May 2019 |url-status=live}} Allen then said she would go "one step further" and implied she wanted a merger with the Liberal Democrats.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/26/heidi-allen-says-change-uk-could-merge-with-liberal-democrats |title=Heidi Allen says Change UK could merge with Lib Dems |first=Matthew |last=Weaver |newspaper=The Guardian |date=26 May 2019 |access-date=27 May 2019 |via=www.theguardian.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527033127/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/26/heidi-allen-says-change-uk-could-merge-with-liberal-democrats |archive-date=27 May 2019 |url-status=live}} However, Soubry criticised Allen's tactical voting comments{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/27/change-uk-tactical-voting-row-anna-soubry-criticises-heidi-allen/ |title=Change UK's Anna Soubry attacks her own leader after party fails to win single seat at European elections |first=Jack |last=Maidment |date=27 May 2019 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=3 June 2019 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604143445/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/05/27/change-uk-tactical-voting-row-anna-soubry-criticises-heidi-allen/ |archive-date=4 June 2019 |url-status=live}} and the idea of any imminent alliance with the Liberal Democrats, describing talk of an alliance as being "a long way down the line".{{cite web |url=https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/politics/news/104166/splits-erupt-change-uk-anna-soubry-attacks-heidi-allens-tactical-voting |title=Splits erupt in Change UK as Anna Soubry attacks Heidi Allen's tactical voting call |first=Kevin |last=Schofield |date=27 May 2019 |work=Politics Home |access-date=30 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528103459/https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/politics/news/104166/splits-erupt-change-uk-anna-soubry-attacks-heidi-allens-tactical-voting |archive-date=28 May 2019 |url-status=live}}

Change UK won no seats in the European elections, garnering 3.3% of the vote overall. Their highest vote was 5.3% in London. They were closest to winning a seat in the South East England constituency where they got 4.2%, 3.1% away from a seat. An internal party report was supposedly critical of some MPs for supposedly talking down the party's prospects.{{cite news |url=https://www.channel4.com/news/change-uk-loses-half-of-its-mps |title=Change UK loses half of its MPs |first=Gary |last=Gibbon |author-link=Gary Gibbon |work=Channel 4 News |access-date=6 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604221928/https://www.channel4.com/news/change-uk-loses-half-of-its-mps |archive-date=4 June 2019 |url-status=live |date=4 June 2019}}

After a June meeting of the party's MPs, described as "amicable" by the Financial Times but "fraught" by the New Statesman,{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/a408cc38-86dc-11e9-a028-86cea8523dc2 |title=Change UK splits over plan to join with Lib Dems |last=Payne |first=Sebastian |work=Financial Times |url-access=subscription |date=4 June 2019 |access-date=6 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606070537/https://www.ft.com/content/a408cc38-86dc-11e9-a028-86cea8523dc2 |archive-date=6 June 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/staggers/2019/06/divided-defeated-and-broke-what-next-change-uk |title=Divided, defeated and broke: what next for Change UK? |last=Bush |first=Stephen |work=New Statesman |date=5 June 2019 |access-date=8 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608070034/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/staggers/2019/06/divided-defeated-and-broke-what-next-change-uk |archive-date=8 June 2019 |url-status=live}} six of the party's MPs – Berger, Shuker, Smith, Umunna, Wollaston and interim party leader Allen – announced their resignation from the party. The other five MPs remained in the party, with Brexit and Justice spokeswoman Anna Soubry becoming leader.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48515505 |title=Change UK loses six of its 11 MPs |date=4 June 2019 |work=BBC News |access-date=4 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604150207/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48515505 |archive-date=4 June 2019 |url-status=live}}

In an article shortly before the announcement of the resignations, Stephen Bush of the New Statesman described three viewpoints in the party: one group favouring merger with the Liberal Democrats, including Allen and Umunna; another ideologically unsympathetic towards the Liberal Democrats, including Gapes, Leslie, Ryan and Soubry; and a third who supported reverting to being a loose collection of independents which could attract Labour and Conservative defectors who would find it difficult to switch to a rival party.{{cite web |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/06/terrible-election-results-and-nearing-zero-polls-what-future-change-uk |title=Terrible election results and nearing zero in the polls: what is the future of Change UK? |work=New Statesman |first=Stephen |last=Bush |date=4 June 2019 |access-date=6 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605142544/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/06/terrible-election-results-and-nearing-zero-polls-what-future-change-uk |archive-date=5 June 2019 |url-status=live}} Shuker was later described as in the last group.{{cite news |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/06/why-change-uks-split-was-inevitable |title=Why Change UK's split was inevitable |date=4 June 2019 |access-date=6 June 2019 |work=New Statesman |first=Patrick |last=Maguire |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606070532/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/06/why-change-uks-split-was-inevitable |archive-date=6 June 2019 |url-status=live}} The Financial Times described a longstanding split between Umunna and Leslie, both of whom had vied to be the leading force within the party, with Allen chosen as interim leader to defuse tensions.

In an interview that evening, Soubry said that those leaving wanted Change UK to become a "movement" that did not field candidates.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-politics-48522399/change-uk-anna-soubry-says-mps-deserted-new-party |title=Soubry: MPs 'deserted' Change UK |work=BBC News |access-date=6 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606001839/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-politics-48522399/change-uk-anna-soubry-says-mps-deserted-new-party |archive-date=6 June 2019 |url-status=live}} The New Statesman commented that most of the MPs with links to donors had left, and the party was not financially secure.

Rumours continued that some, but not all, of those who left the party would eventually join the Liberal Democrats, with the New Statesman suggesting that Umunna, Wollaston and Allen were best placed to be able to win re-election as Liberal Democrats.{{cite web |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/elections/2019/08/sarah-wollaston-joins-liberal-democrats-coup-jo-swinson |title=Sarah Wollaston joins the Liberal Democrats in coup for Jo Swinson |work=New Statesman |last=Bush|first=Stephen |date=14 August 2019 |access-date=17 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815110530/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/elections/2019/08/sarah-wollaston-joins-liberal-democrats-coup-jo-swinson |archive-date=15 August 2019 |url-status=live}} Umunna joined the Liberal Democrats in June.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/13/chuka-umunna-joins-liberal-democrats-after-quitting-change-uk |title=Chuka Umunna joins Liberal Democrats after quitting Change UK |last=Stewart |first=Heather |date=13 June 2019 |work=The Guardian |access-date=13 June 2019 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613222743/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/13/chuka-umunna-joins-liberal-democrats-after-quitting-change-uk |archive-date=13 June 2019 |url-status=live}}
- {{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/aug/14/totnes-mp-sarah-wollaston-joins-the-liberal-democrats |title=Totnes MP Sarah Wollaston joins the Liberal Democrats |last=Walker |first=Peter |date=14 August 2019 |work=The Guardian |access-date=15 August 2019 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202140428/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/aug/14/totnes-mp-sarah-wollaston-joins-the-liberal-democrats |archive-date=2 December 2019 |url-status=live}} The following month, Berger, Shuker, Smith and Allen along with John Woodcock formed a non-party group called The Independents.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/all-change-independent-mps-team-up-but-not-as-a-party-83ntlqtks |title=All change: independent MPs team up, but not as a party |first=Henry |last=Zeffman |date=10 July 2019 |access-date=3 September 2019 |work=The Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914153112/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/all-change-independent-mps-team-up-but-not-as-a-party-83ntlqtks |archive-date=14 September 2019 |url-status=live}}{{subscription required}}{{cite news |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/exchange-uk-mps-form-another-political-grouping-named-the-independents-a4186406.html |title=Ex-Change UK MPs form ANOTHER political group named The Independents |last=Morris |first=John |date=10 July 2019 |access-date=3 September 2019 |work=Evening Standard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190710113059/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/exchange-uk-mps-form-another-political-grouping-named-the-independents-a4186406.html |archive-date=10 July 2019 |url-status=live}} By the time of the election, Berger, Smith and Allen had left this grouping to join the Lib Dems.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/angela-smith-is-third-mp-in-a-week-to-join-lib-dems-2klg5pfsq |title=Angela Smith is third MP in a week to join Lib Dems |last=Wheeler |first=Caroline |date=8 September 2019 |work=The Sunday Times |access-date=7 September 2019 |issn=0956-1382 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910032956/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/angela-smith-is-third-mp-in-a-week-to-join-lib-dems-2klg5pfsq |archive-date=10 September 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/heidi-allen-mp-lib-dems-tory-party-conservative-a9146751.html |title=Heidi Allen: Ex-Conservative MP joins Lib Dems and suggests at least 20 more 'one-nation' Tories would like to follow suit |last=Woodcock |first=Andrew |date=7 October 2019 |work=The Independent |access-date=7 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007222801/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/heidi-allen-mp-lib-dems-tory-party-conservative-a9146751.html |archive-date=7 October 2019 |url-status=live}}

File:Independent Group for Change.png

At the time of the party's registration, the petitions website Change.org announced that it would challenge the branding as having "hijacked" its identity.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/29/independent-group-to-register-as-change-uk-party-under-heidi-allen |title=Independent Group's plans to register as Change UK party angers petitions site |last=Elgot |first=Jessica |date=29 March 2019 |work=The Guardian|access-date=29 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329131217/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/29/independent-group-to-register-as-change-uk-party-under-heidi-allen |archive-date=29 March 2019 |url-status=live}} Shortly after announcing themselves as Change UK, Soubry accidentally called the party "Change.org" in Parliament.{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/change-org-the-independent-group-tig-name-confusion-anna-soubry-mps-a8845626.html |title='Imitation is a form of flattery': Change.org furious at Independent Group MPs over new name |work=The Independent |last=Griffin |first=Andrew |date=29 March 2019 |access-date=14 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401022208/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/change-org-the-independent-group-tig-name-confusion-anna-soubry-mps-a8845626.html |archive-date=1 April 2019 |url-status=live}} Threats of litigation resulted in the party applying to the Electoral Commission to change its name to The Independent Group for Change,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48629838 |title=Change UK applies to change name |date=13 June 2019 |work=BBC News |access-date=13 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614184149/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48629838 |archive-date=14 June 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/party-registration-applications/view-current-applications |title=View current applications |publisher=The Electoral Commission |access-date=30 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207002513/https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/party-registration-applications/view-current-applications |archive-date=7 December 2019 |url-status=live}} a request granted the next month.{{cite web |url=http://search.electoralcommission.org.uk/English/Registrations/PP9077 |title=View registration |publisher=The Electoral Commission |access-date=6 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415172919/http://search.electoralcommission.org.uk/English/Registrations/PP9077 |archive-date=15 April 2019 |url-status=live}}

Before the general election in December, the party announced it would only contest Broxtowe, Ilford South and Nottingham East, where Soubry, Gapes and Leslie, respectively, sought re-election.{{cite news |url=https://voteforchange.uk/ |title=The Independent Group for Change Main Page |date=12 November 2019 |access-date=12 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114041704/https://voteforchange.uk/ |archive-date=14 November 2019 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/general-election-2019-mps-standing-independents-commons-analysis-920197 |title=High profile MPs are standing as independents – but will they be re-elected? |work=The i|first=Hugo|last=Gye |access-date=13 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113142808/https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/general-election-2019-mps-standing-independents-commons-analysis-920197 |archive-date=13 November 2019 |url-status=live}} Coffey and Ryan did not stand for re-election.{{cite news |last=Blosse |first=Benjamin |date=30 October 2019 |title=Ann Coffey announces she is standing down as Stockport MP |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/ann-coffey-mp-stockport-standing-17174863 |url-status=live |access-date=31 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031102107/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/ann-coffey-mp-stockport-standing-17174863 |archive-date=31 October 2019}}{{cite news |last=Sugarman |first=Daniel |date=17 September 2019 |title=Labour Friends of Israel honorary president Joan Ryan announces she will stand down at next election |newspaper=The Jewish Chronicle |url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/joan-ryan-mp-for-enfield-north-announces-her-intention-to-stand-down-at-the-next-election-1.488805 |url-status=live |access-date=31 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031102108/https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/joan-ryan-mp-for-enfield-north-announces-her-intention-to-stand-down-at-the-next-election-1.488805 |archive-date=31 October 2019}} The Liberal Democrats announced that they would not stand against Soubry in Broxtowe.{{cite news |url=https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/lib-dems-not-stand-broxtowe-3511936 |title=Lib Dems will not stand in Broxtowe against Anna Soubry, party confirms |last=Sandeman |first=Kit |date=7 November 2019 |work=Nottingham Post |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130170953/https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/lib-dems-not-stand-broxtowe-3511936 |archive-date=30 November 2019 |access-date=13 November 2019}}

All three candidates lost their seats: Soubry and Gapes came third in their races, while Leslie was fourth. Soubry had the highest vote share at 8.5%. Of its six former members, Allen did not stand in the election, Shuker stood as an independent candidate and the other four stood for the Liberal Democrats. All of those lost their seats as well, with Berger performing best, coming second with 31.9%, standing in a different constituency, Finchley and Golders Green.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2019/results |title=UK results: Conservatives win majority |work=BBC News |date=13 December 2019 |access-date=13 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213002342/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2019/results |archive-date=13 December 2019 |url-status=live}}

Soubry announced a week after the election that the management council had agreed to deregister with the Electoral Commission and begin the process of closing down the Independent Group for Change.{{cite news |date=19 December 2019 |title=General election 2019: Anna Soubry disbands Independent Group for Change |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-50858811 |url-status=live |access-date=19 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221151735/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-50858811 |archive-date=21 December 2019}} The party tweeted: "It was right to shine a spotlight on Britain's broken politics. But having taken stock and with no voice now in parliament, we begin the process of winding up our party. Thanks to all who stood with us."{{cite news |last=Sharman |first=Jon |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/independent-group-for-change-uk-election-results-mps-anna-soubry-chuka-umunna-a9254166.html |title=Independent Group For Change to officially disband after failing to win any seats |date=19 December 2019 |work=The Independent |access-date=5 January 2022}} The party was formally deregistered by the Electoral Commission on 23 July 2020.{{Cite web |url=http://search.electoralcommission.org.uk/English/Registrations/PP9077 |title=View registration – the Electoral Commission}}

At the time TIG was formed, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn responded that he was "disappointed" by the actions of the MPs leaving Labour.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-mp-resign-leave-party-corbyn-luciana-berger-brexit-chuka-umunna-a8784186.html |work=The Independent |last1=Watts |first1=Joe |last2=Buchan |first2=Lizzie |title=Labour MPs quit party in disgust at antisemitism, Jeremy Corbyn's leadership and Brexit stance |date=18 February 2019 |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218161526/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-mp-resign-leave-party-corbyn-luciana-berger-brexit-chuka-umunna-a8784186.html |archive-date=18 February 2019 |url-status=live}} Labour Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said that TIG MPs had a "responsibility" to resign and fight by-elections, as they had been elected as Labour MPs and should seek the approval of the electorate for their new platform. Other Labour Party figures stressed reflection, with deputy leader Tom Watson imploring his party to change in order to stave off further defections.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/feb/18/several-labour-mps-set-to-quit-the-party-politics-live?page=with%3Ablock-5c6ad1c1e4b022557d2472d1 |title=Tom Watson says Labour must change to avoid more MPs leaving – Politics live |last1=Perraudin |first1=Frances |date=18 February 2019 |work=The Guardian |access-date=18 February 2019 |last2=O'Carroll |first2=Lisa |issn=0261-3077 |last3=Carrell |first3=Severin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219061553/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/feb/18/several-labour-mps-set-to-quit-the-party-politics-live?page=with:block-5c6ad1c1e4b022557d2472d1 |archive-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=live}} Jon Lansman, the founder of Momentum, said he had "personal sympathy" for Berger because of the "hate and abuse" she had suffered. However, the six other former Labour MPs were, in his opinion, malcontents opposed to Corbyn's leadership.

Labour MP Ruth George, who had been asked to respond to a Facebook comment suggesting the group's financial backers were "Israelis", replied that "Support from the State of Israel, which supports both Conservative and Labour Friends of Israel of which Luciana was chair is possible and I would not condemn those who suggest it, especially when the group's financial backers are not being revealed". After Jewish groups said that she was indulging an antisemitic conspiracy theory, she apologised and withdrew her comment.{{cite news |first=Daniel |last=Sugarman |url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/labour-mp-ruth-george-suggests-breakaway-mps-financially-backed-by-israel-1.480301 |title=MPs may be 'financially backed' by Israel |work=The Jewish Chronicle |date=19 February 2019 |access-date=19 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219223711/https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/labour-mp-ruth-george-suggests-breakaway-mps-financially-backed-by-israel-1.480301 |archive-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Heffer |first1=Greg |title=Ruth George MP sorry for 'conspiracy theory' that Labour quitters are backed by Israel |url=https://news.sky.com/story/ruth-george-mp-sorry-for-conspiracy-theory-that-labour-quitters-are-backed-by-israel-11642188 |work=Sky News |access-date=19 February 2019 |date=19 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219233651/https://news.sky.com/story/ruth-george-mp-sorry-for-conspiracy-theory-that-labour-quitters-are-backed-by-israel-11642188 |archive-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Mason |first1=Rowena |title=Labour MP apologises for suggesting Israel funds Independent Group |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/19/labour-mp-ruth-george-israel-funding-independent-group-luciana-berger |work=The Guardian |access-date=19 February 2019 |date=19 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219233108/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/19/labour-mp-ruth-george-israel-funding-independent-group-luciana-berger |archive-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=live}}

A week after TIG was formed, Labour announced that it would back moves for a second EU referendum in the coming weeks, a move interpreted as partially a response to the threat of further defections.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/02/25/brexit-latest-news-theresa-may-seeks-breakthrough-irish-backstop/ |title=Brexit latest news: Jeremy Corbyn backs second referendum to prevent 'a damaging Tory Brexit being forced on country' |last1=Yorke |first1=Harry |date=25 February 2019 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=3 March 2019 |last2=Mikhailova |first2=Anna |issn=0307-1235 |last3=Swinford |first3=Steven |last4=Hope |first4=Christopher |last5=Foster |first5=Peter |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301091131/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/02/25/brexit-latest-news-theresa-may-seeks-breakthrough-irish-backstop/ |archive-date=1 March 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/25/labour-to-back-moves-for-second-brexit-referendum |title=Labour to back moves for second Brexit referendum |last=Elgot|first=Jessica |date=25 February 2019 |work=The Guardian|access-date=25 February 2019 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225180807/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/25/labour-to-back-moves-for-second-brexit-referendum |archive-date=25 February 2019 |url-status=live}}

In March, MPs passed a motion put forward by Labour to remove Gapes, as well as non-TIG independent Ian Austin, from their seats on the Foreign Affairs Select Committee they held as part of the Labour Party's allocation. They were replaced by Labour MPs Conor McGinn and Catherine West. Gapes called the move "a sad day for the independence of Select Committees", while Labour said that it was right that the party filled its allocation of seats on the committees.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-parliaments-47631199 |title=Ex-Labour MPs 'booted' off Foreign Affairs Committee |work=BBC News |date=19 March 2019 |access-date=20 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320033000/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-parliaments-47631199 |archive-date=20 March 2019 |url-status=live}}

After Soubry, Wollaston and Allen joined TIG, Prime Minister and Conservative leader Theresa May stated that she was "saddened" by their departure. Her predecessor, David Cameron, said he respected their decision but disagreed with it, as the party needs "strong voices at every level of the party calling for the modern, compassionate Conservatism that saw the Conservative Party return to office."{{cite news |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/david-cameron-warns-tories-to-remain-modern-and-compassionate-following-defections_uk_5c6d75ace4b0e2f4d8a19554 |title=The Independent Group Defections: David Cameron Warns Tories To Stay 'Modern' And 'Compassionate' |last=Simons |first=Ned |date=20 February 2019 |work=HuffPost UK |access-date=21 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221135622/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/david-cameron-warns-tories-to-remain-modern-and-compassionate-following-defections_uk_5c6d75ace4b0e2f4d8a19554 |archive-date=21 February 2019 |url-status=live}}

Before the initial TIG breakaway, Liberal Democrats leader Vince Cable said that his party would "work with them in some form" but not be "subsumed" by them.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/feb/18/several-labour-mps-set-to-quit-the-party-politics-live?page=with:block-5c6aaf4ee4b0bdb6048fe03a#block-5c6aaf4ee4b0bdb6048fe03a |title=Labour split: seven MPs resign from the party – Politics live |work=The Guardian |first1=Frances |last1=Perraudin|first2=Kevin|last2=Rawlinson |date=18 February 2019 |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218205042/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/feb/18/several-labour-mps-set-to-quit-the-party-politics-live?page=with:block-5c6aaf4ee4b0bdb6048fe03a#block-5c6aaf4ee4b0bdb6048fe03a |archive-date=18 February 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-party-split-rebel-mp-brexit-jeremy-corbyn-vince-cable-lib-dem-theresa-may-a8760861.html |title=Vince Cable vows to 'work with' rebel MPs as he claims 'real chance' of Labour breakaway |first=Ashley |last=Cowburn |work=The Independent |date=3 February 2019 |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204060652/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-party-split-rebel-mp-brexit-jeremy-corbyn-vince-cable-lib-dem-theresa-may-a8760861.html |archive-date=4 February 2019 |url-status=live}} Afterwards, he "offered a hand of friendship to the new Independent Group", seeing "the way forward as a collaborative arrangement, a confederation of groups who have a lot in common".{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/labour-split-independent-group-mp-lib-dem-vince-cable-centrist-party-brexit-a8786126.html |title=Cynics may decry the Independent Group, but here's why party splits are a blessing for British politics |first=Vince|last=Cable |authorlink=Vince Cable|date=19 February 2019 |work=The Independent |access-date=30 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427173254/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/labour-split-independent-group-mp-lib-dem-vince-cable-centrist-party-brexit-a8786126.html|archive-date=27 April 2023}} On 20 February Cable also suggested that the Liberal Democrats might not put up candidates against members of the Independent Group at future elections.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-parliaments-47279812 |title=MPs debate anti-Semitism |work=BBC News |date=19 February 2019 |access-date=5 January 2022}} Former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said in a radio interview that it was "entirely possible" that the two groups could merge to form a new centrist political party.{{cite news |url=https://talkradio.co.uk/news/tim-farron-forming-centrist-party-independent-group-entirely-possible-19022129955#twCvgbxwiuX73ToX.99 |title=Tim Farron: Forming centrist party with Independent Group 'entirely possible'|first=Samantha |last=King |date=21 February 2019 |work=Talk Radio |access-date=21 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222041804/https://talkradio.co.uk/news/tim-farron-forming-centrist-party-independent-group-entirely-possible-19022129955#twCvgbxwiuX73ToX.99 |archive-date=22 February 2019 |url-status=live}} Cable sought support from TIG for his proposed parliamentary motion for a second Brexit referendum.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-deal-latest-liberal-democrats-vince-cable-referendum-final-say-independent-group-a8793261.html |title=Second Brexit referendum motion to be tabled in parliament next week |date=23 February 2019 |work=The Independent |first=Joe|last=Watts |access-date=24 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223140408/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-deal-latest-liberal-democrats-vince-cable-referendum-final-say-independent-group-a8793261.html |archive-date=23 February 2019 |url-status=live}}

In March 2019, it was reported by Business Insider that the Lib Dems and TIG discussed forming an electoral alliance where joint candidates would stand under the same "umbrella".{{cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/the-independent-group-considers-electoral-alliance-with-liberoal-democrats-2019-3 |title=The Independent Group is considering an electoral alliance with the Liberal Democrats |first1=Adam|last1=Bienkov |first2=Adam|last2=Payne |work=Business Insider |date=30 March 2019 |access-date=30 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330094125/https://www.businessinsider.com/the-independent-group-considers-electoral-alliance-with-liberoal-democrats-2019-3 |archive-date=30 March 2019 |url-status=live}} Cable proposed standing joint candidates with the Greens and Change UK on a common policy of seeking a second referendum on Brexit at the European Parliament elections, but those parties rejected it.{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/eu-elections-brexit-lib-dems-greens-change-uk-european-parliament-a8873731.html |title=Liberal Democrats attack other anti-Brexit parties for refusing to fight on joint ticket for European elections |first=Ron|last=Merrick |date=18 April 2019 |work=The Independent |access-date=22 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423110446/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/eu-elections-brexit-lib-dems-greens-change-uk-european-parliament-a8873731.html |archive-date=23 April 2019 |url-status=live}} In April, an unverified internal Change UK memo leaked describing their plans to target Liberal Democrat donors and members in an attempt to supplant the larger party. It specified "No mergers, pacts or alliances."{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/apr/25/lib-dem-european-elections-candidate-loses-legal-row-with-party |title=Lib Dem European elections candidate loses legal row with party |first=Jessica |last=Elgot |work=The Guardian |date=25 April 2019 |access-date=26 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426112953/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/apr/25/lib-dem-european-elections-candidate-loses-legal-row-with-party |archive-date=26 April 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.markpack.org.uk/158404/leaked-change-uk-memo-sets-out-plan-for-crushing-not-cooperating-with-lib-dems/ |title=Leaked Change UK memo sets out plan for crushing, not cooperating, with Lib Dems |date=24 April 2019 |access-date=25 April 2019 |authorlink=Mark Pack|first=Mark|last=Pack|website=markpack.org.uk|archive-date=25 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425122532/http://www.markpack.org.uk/158404/leaked-change-uk-memo-sets-out-plan-for-crushing-not-cooperating-with-lib-dems/}} A week later, Cable said that while Change UK had thrown away opportunities in the European elections by not pooling their strength, they and the Lib Dems had agreed a "non-aggression pact" to discourage "friendly fire".{{cite news |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/chuka-s-new-party-change-uk-has-split-remain-votes-warns-cable-a4127306.html |title=Chuka's new party Change UK has split Remain votes, warns Cable |first1=Joe|last1=Murphy|first2=Kate|last2=Proctor |work=Evening Standard |date=26 April 2019 |access-date=26 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426150940/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/chuka-s-new-party-change-uk-has-split-remain-votes-warns-cable-a4127306.html |archive-date=26 April 2019 |url-status=live}} After the Liberal Democrats came second in the European elections while Change UK won no seats, the Lib Dems suggested they would welcome Change UK MPs joining their party (as Umunna, Wollaston, Berger, Smith and Allen subsequently did).{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/27/remain-forces-pact-would-have-helped-lib-dems-beat-brexit-party-says-cable |title=Remain forces pact would have helped Lib Dems beat Brexit party, says Cable |first=Jessica |last=Elgot |date=27 May 2019 |work=The Guardian |access-date=30 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528170246/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/27/remain-forces-pact-would-have-helped-lib-dems-beat-brexit-party-says-cable |archive-date=28 May 2019 |url-status=live}}

The party was launched as a group of independent MPs with a convenor (initially Gavin Shuker){{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-47362123 |title=Independent Group: Ex-Labour and Tory MPs elect Gavin Shuker as 'convener' |date=25 February 2019 |work=BBC News |access-date=25 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226051155/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-47362123 |archive-date=26 February 2019 |url-status=live}} and spokesperson (initially Chuka Umunna).{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47410564 |title=Umunna made Independent Group spokesman |date=1 March 2019 |work=BBC News |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301092944/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47410564 |archive-date=1 March 2019 |url-status=live}} It was established without a formal policy platform. In March 2019, this structure was changed as the group applied for registration as a political party with Heidi Allen as its leader (on an interim basis until an annual conference could be held). The party's registration was confirmed in April. In June, Allen left the party and Anna Soubry replaced her as leader. By July, the party employed one member of staff on a full-time basis, down from 11employed during the European elections.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/07/21/independent-group-change-has-one-member-staff-left-poor-performance/ |title=Independent Group for Change only has one member of staff left after poor performance at EU elections |first=Tony |last=Diver |date=21 July 2019 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=23 July 2019 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723122058/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/07/21/independent-group-change-has-one-member-staff-left-poor-performance/ |archive-date=23 July 2019 |url-status=live}}

Chris Leslie described Change UK as offering a home to those on the centre-left or in the "liberal" or "one nation" tradition.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/independent-group-change-uk-brexit-chris-leslie-mp-new-party-heidi-allen-a8846346.html |title=Chris Leslie: Our Independent Group knows it's time for change in the UK, and not just on Brexit |date=29 March 2019 |work=The Independent |access-date=6 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506180527/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/independent-group-change-uk-brexit-chris-leslie-mp-new-party-heidi-allen-a8846346.html |archive-date=6 May 2019 |url-status=live}} It was expressly pro-European, supporting calls for a further referendum on the UK's EU membership, and was considered to be centrist.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/02/rebel-labour-mps-set-to-quit-party-and-form-centre-group |title=Rebel Labour MPs set to quit party and form centre group |last=Helm |first=Toby |date=18 February 2019 |work=The Guardian |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218134948/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/02/rebel-labour-mps-set-to-quit-party-and-form-centre-group |archive-date=18 February 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/everything-we-still-dont-know-about-the-new-centre-party |title=Could the new Independent Group bring down the government—and prompt a general election? |date=20 February 2019 |magazine=Prospect |author=Clark, Tom |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327222017/https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/everything-we-still-dont-know-about-the-new-centre-party |archive-date=27 March 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=25 March 2019 |quote=The whole idea of the new centrist proto-party...}} Change UK's slogan was "Politics is broken. Let's change it",{{cite web |url=https://wearesocial.com/uk/blog/2019/03/how-social-media-can-help-launch-a-new-political-party |title=How social media can help launch a new political party |date=13 March 2019 |work=We Are Social UK |access-date=23 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423214641/https://wearesocial.com/uk/blog/2019/03/how-social-media-can-help-launch-a-new-political-party |archive-date=23 April 2019 |url-status=live}} and it said it would pursue evidence-led policies, rather than those led by ideology, with the group being tolerant of differing opinions.

Specific stated values included a "diverse, mixed social market economy", freedom of the press, environmentalism, devolution, subsidiarity and opposition to Brexit.{{cite web |url=https://theindependent.group/statement |title=Statement of Independence |date=18 February 2019 |access-date=18 February 2019 |work=The Independent Group |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218101515/https://www.theindependent.group/statement |archive-date=18 February 2019 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/02/qa-who-are-independent-group-and-what-do-they-stand |title=Q&A: Who are the Independent Group and what do they stand for? |work=New Statesman |author=Maguire, Patrick |date=18 February 2019 |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218155003/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/02/qa-who-are-independent-group-and-what-do-they-stand |archive-date=18 February 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/labour-party-split-independent-group-mps |title=Seven Labour MPs break from party to form Independent Group |author=Bush, Stephen |date=18 February 2019 |work=New Statesman |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218155236/https://www.newstatesman.com/labour-party-split-independent-group-mps |archive-date=18 February 2019 |url-status=live}} All of its MPs supported a second referendum on the EU. Although the party never published a manifesto, it listed eleven "values", including that the government must do "whatever it takes" to protect national security, as Britain is "a great country of which people are rightly proud."{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47305860 |title=The Independent Group: Who are they and what do they stand for? |work=BBC News |date=21 February 2019 |access-date=22 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222180337/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47305860 |archive-date=22 February 2019 |url-status=live}} Shuker said "[we] back well-regulated business but in return we expect them to provide decent, secure and well-paid jobs" and Leslie stressed the group was pro-NATO.

On 14 March 2019, Wollaston's amendment calling for a second EU referendum was called by the Speaker of the House of Commons, the first TIG amendment to be called and the first time Parliament had the opportunity to directly vote on a second referendum.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/14/cross-party-group-submits-motion-to-take-parliamentary-control-of-brexit |title=MPs to vote on second Brexit referendum for first time |last=Sabbagh |first=Dan |date=14 March 2019 |work=The Guardian |access-date=14 March 2019 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190314123103/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/14/cross-party-group-submits-motion-to-take-parliamentary-control-of-brexit |archive-date=14 March 2019 |url-status=live}} However, after both the People's Vote and Best for Britain campaigns advised supporters not to vote for the amendment,{{cite news |title=MPs could vote on second referendum after the speaker selects amendment |url=https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/top-stories/house-of-commons-amendments-1-5936878 |first=Jonathon |last=Read |date=14 March 2019 |access-date=15 March 2019 |work=The New European |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327210221/https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/top-stories/house-of-commons-amendments-1-5936878 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |url-status=live}} and the Labour Party whipped its MPs to abstain, the amendment fell 85–334.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-47575445/mps-reject-a-second-brexit-referendum-by-334-votes-to-85 |title=MPs reject a second Brexit referendum by 334 votes to 85 |date=14 March 2019 |access-date=14 March 2019 |work=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190316020205/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-47575445/mps-reject-a-second-brexit-referendum-by-334-votes-to-85 |archive-date=16 March 2019 |url-status=live}}

Change UK was supported in its aims by The Independent Group (TIG) Ltd (previously named Gemini A Ltd), a non-trading company started by Shuker and registered in England and Wales.{{cite web |url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/11770529 |title=Gemini A Ltd – Overview |publisher=Companies House |access-date=25 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218202143/https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/11770529 |archive-date=18 February 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.totalpolitics.com/articles/diary/labour%E2%80%99s-gang-seven-what-we-know-about-their-moves-so-far |title=Labour's gang of seven: what we know about their moves so far |date=18 February 2019 |magazine=Total Politics |author=Singleton, David |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219134717/https://www.totalpolitics.com/articles/diary/labour%E2%80%99s-gang-seven-what-we-know-about-their-moves-so-far |archive-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=live}} Berger stated that the seven founders funded the launch themselves.{{cite web |url=https://metro.co.uk/2019/02/20/funding-independent-group-8686972/ |title=Who is funding The Independent Group? |first=Jessica |last=Lindsay |work=Metro |date=20 February 2019 |access-date=29 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805233912/https://metro.co.uk/2019/02/20/funding-independent-group-8686972/ |archive-date=5 August 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/who-funds-independent-group-labour-tory-split-donors-donations |title=Who funds The Independent Group? Breakaway MPs pledge to reveal major donors as it receives small donations from thousands |last=Guyoncourt |first=Sally |date=21 February 2019 |work=i News |access-date=21 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221041317/https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/who-funds-independent-group-labour-tory-split-donors-donations/ |archive-date=21 February 2019 |url-status=live}}

The group claimed thousands of donors gave small amounts within days of its launch. Five days afterwards, David Garrard, previously a major donor to the Labour Party, was reported to have given TIG £1.5 million.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/02/23/one-labours-biggest-private-backers-has-donated-independent/ |title=One of Labour's biggest private backers gives £1.5m to The Independent Group |last=Malnick |first=Edward |work=The Daily Telegraph|date=23 February 2019 |access-date=25 April 2019 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426005103/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/02/23/one-labours-biggest-private-backers-has-donated-independent/ |archive-date=26 April 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/23/corbyn-told-change-course-before-its-too-late-for-labour-michael-savage |title=Corbyn told: change course before it's too late for Labour |last=Savage |first=Michael |date=23 February 2019 |access-date=23 February 2019 |work=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224033026/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/23/corbyn-told-change-course-before-its-too-late-for-labour-michael-savage |archive-date=24 February 2019 |url-status=live}} A "significant" donation to the group was later made by crossbencher Lord Myners, City Minister under Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/independent-group-donor-lord-myners-chuka-umunna-anna-soubry-a8834606.html |title=Former minister reveals 'significant' donation to The Independent Group |date=22 March 2019 |work=The Independent |author=Buchan, Lizzie |access-date=1 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401222348/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/independent-group-donor-lord-myners-chuka-umunna-anna-soubry-a8834606.html |archive-date=1 April 2019 |url-status=live}} Change UK was not entitled to the parliamentary financial assistance for opposition parties (Short Money) as this is not available to political parties established in the middle of a parliamentary term.{{cite news |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/17443066.funding-blow-for-breakaway-mp-group/?ref=twtrec |title=Funding blow for breakaway MP group |last=Gordon |first=Tom |date=19 February 2019 |work=The Herald |access-date=20 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221054727/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/17443066.funding-blow-for-breakaway-mp-group/?ref=twtrec |archive-date=21 February 2019 |url-status=live}}

A report by the party's auditors, published as part of the group's accounts filed with Companies House in May 2020, found that bank statements and records of donors had been "inappropriately destroyed" by staff members during the party's winding down and could not be satisfactorily reconstructed. Nothing had come to their attention to suggest there were any "material errors in the financial statements", but they were "unable to determine" whether any adjustments to financial statements "might have been found to be necessary had the scope of our work not been limited". In response, Soubry's partner, Neil Davidson, the party's treasurer, said that the party had "absolutely nothing to hide".{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/neil-davidson-treasurer-of-change-uk-used-tax-dodge-denounced-by-minister-w0k75wmfb |work=The Times |title=Neil Davidson, treasurer of Change UK, used tax dodge denounced by minister |first=Andrew |last=Gilligan |date=21 April 2019 |access-date=23 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607175811/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/neil-davidson-treasurer-of-change-uk-used-tax-dodge-denounced-by-minister-w0k75wmfb |archive-date=7 June 2020 |url-status=live}}{{subscription required}}
- {{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/may/23/independent-group-for-changes-financial-records-inappropriately-destroyed |work=The Guardian |title=Independent Group for Change's financial records 'inappropriately destroyed' |first=Harry |last=Davies |date=23 May 2020 |access-date=23 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523224408/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/may/23/independent-group-for-changes-financial-records-inappropriately-destroyed |archive-date=23 May 2020 |url-status=live}}

When TIG was formed, Gavin Shuker was named as its convenor and Chuka Umunna as spokesperson.{{cite web |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/elections/2019/02/why-has-independent-group-chosen-gavin-shuker-its-convenor |title=Why has the Independent Group chosen Gavin Shuker as its convenor? |work=New Statesman |first=Stephen| last= Bush|date=25 February 2019 |access-date=15 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401192713/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/elections/2019/02/why-has-independent-group-chosen-gavin-shuker-its-convenor |archive-date=1 April 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/01/chuka-umunna-named-spokesman-independent-group-mps-policy-responsibilities-roles |title=Chuka Umunna named spokesman for the Independent Group |last=Sabbagh |first=Dan |date=1 March 2019 |work=The Guardian |access-date=15 June 2019 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301011521/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/01/chuka-umunna-named-spokesman-independent-group-mps-policy-responsibilities-roles |archive-date=1 March 2019 |url-status=live}} The group took a collective approach to leadership, with Umunna saying that "all the members of our group have... a responsibility to provide leadership". Registration as a party required having a formal leader. Allen was appointed interim leader when the party was officially formed on 29 March, with the intention of electing a permanent leader at a party conference in September.{{cite web |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/03/heidi-allen-leader-tig-confirms-its-anti-system-politics |title=With Heidi Allen as leader, TIG confirms its anti-system politics |work=New Statesman| first=Patrick|last= Maguire |date=29 March 2019 |access-date=15 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520034615/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/03/heidi-allen-leader-tig-confirms-its-anti-system-politics |archive-date=20 May 2019 |url-status=live}} When Allen left the party in June, Soubry took over as leader.{{cite web |url=https://www.euronews.com/2019/06/04/change-uk-loses-six-of-its-11-mps-after-poor-eu-elections-result |title=Change UK loses six of its 11 MPs after poor EU elections result |last=Beswick |first=Emma |date=5 June 2019 |work=Euronews |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607152944/https://www.euronews.com/2019/06/04/change-uk-loses-six-of-its-11-mps-after-poor-eu-elections-result |archive-date=7 June 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=15 June 2019}}

The party was formed by eleven breakaway MPs – eight from Labour and three from the Conservatives – in 2019. Six of Change UK's eleven MPs left the party after it won no seats in the 2019 European Parliament election in May.{{Cite journal |last=Denver |first=David |date=23 September 2020 |title=The Results: How Britain Voted |url=https://academic.oup.com/pa/article/73/Supplement_1/7/5910278 |journal=Parliamentary Affairs |volume=73 |issue=Supplement 1 |pages=7–28 |doi=10.1093/pa/gsaa037|doi-access=free }} Five of the six who quit Change UK went on to join the Liberal Democrats.{{Cite news |last=Adams |first=Tim |date=19 April 2020 |title=A year on, did Change UK change anything? |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/apr/19/a-year-on-did-change-uk-change-anything |access-date=30 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615181012/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/apr/19/a-year-on-did-change-uk-change-anything|archive-date=15 June 2024|url-status=live}} None of the original eleven members of Change UK were elected in the 2019 general election in December. After failing to win any seats in the general election, the party, by then known as the Independent Group for Change, announced that it would disband.{{Cite news |date=19 December 2019 |title=General election 2019: Anna Soubry disbands Independent Group for Change |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-50858811 |access-date=30 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904034659/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-50858811|archive-date=4 September 2024|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Perraudin |first=Frances |date=19 December 2019 |title=Independent Group for Change to be disbanded |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/dec/19/independent-group-for-change-party-disbanded |access-date=30 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506154750/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/dec/19/independent-group-for-change-party-disbanded|archive-date=6 May 2024|url-status=live}}

Heidi Allen announced a frontbench team after her appointment as interim leader in March 2019.{{Cite web |date=29 March 2019 |access-date=14 June 2023 |title=Who is in the Independent Group, and who could be next in line? |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/change-uk-independent-group-members-mps-heidi-allen-chuka-umunna-anna-soubry-260633 |first=Chloe |last=Chaplain |work=The i |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721225058/https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/change-uk-independent-group-members-mps-heidi-allen-chuka-umunna-anna-soubry-260633 |archive-date=21 July 2020 |language=en}}

In February 2019, Labour councillors in over ten councils also left the party to align with TIG. Two former Labour councillors in Brighton and Hove left the party to form their own independent group on 25 February, aligning with the Parliamentary group.{{cite news |url=https://www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk/news/politics/the-independent-group-gains-two-councillors-in-brighton-and-hove-1-8823801 |title=The Independent Group gains two councillors in Brighton and Hove|first=Bex |last=Bastable |date=25 February 2019 |work=Brighton & Hove Independent |access-date=25 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226172724/https://www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk/news/politics/the-independent-group-gains-two-councillors-in-brighton-and-hove-1-8823801 |archive-date=26 February 2019 |url-status=live}} There were further resignations from Labour by councillors in Barnet, Bexley, Derby, Salford, Stafford,{{cite news |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/02/you-re-fake-socialists-independent-group-goes-local-councillors-defect |title='You're fake socialists!' The Independent Group goes local as councillors defect |first=Anoosh |last=Chakelian |date=27 February 2019 |work=New Statesman |access-date=28 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227230935/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/02/you-re-fake-socialists-independent-group-goes-local-councillors-defect |archive-date=27 February 2019 |url-status=live}} and Southwark{{cite news |url=https://www.southwarknews.co.uk/news/brexit-final-straw-for-newingtons-coldwell/ |title=Labour councillor QUITS party over Brexit, bullying, and Corbyn |first=Katherine |last=Johnston |date=1 May 2019 |work=Southwark News |access-date=26 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504035336/https://www.southwarknews.co.uk/news/brexit-final-straw-for-newingtons-coldwell/ |archive-date=4 May 2019 |url-status=live}} and by Conservative councillors in South Bucks{{cite news |url=https://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/gallery/burnham/143892/south-bucks-councillor-resigns-from-conservative-party.html |title=South Bucks councillor resigns from Conservative Party |first=George |last=Roberts |date=11 April 2019 |work=Maidenhead Advertiser |access-date=23 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423121216/https://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/gallery/burnham/143892/south-bucks-councillor-resigns-from-conservative-party.html |archive-date=23 April 2019 |url-status=live}} and Calderdale.{{cite news|url=https://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/why-conservative-calderdale-councillor-left-party-to-become-first-change-uk-member-970791 |first1=Ian|last1=Hirst |title=Why Conservative Calderdale councillor left party to become first Change UK member |work=Halifax Courier |date=24 May 2019|access-date=30 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224211919/https://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/why-conservative-calderdale-councillor-left-party-to-become-first-change-uk-member-970791|archive-date=24 February 2024|url-status=live}} It is unknown how many of these councillors supported TIG/Change UK, but many gave the same reasons as the MPs: alleged antisemitism in Labour, Corbyn's leadership and Brexit.

Richard Ashworth, an MEP elected as a Conservative in 2014, a European People's Party-affiliated independent since 2018, joined Change UK in April. In the European election the following month, Ashworth was the first list candidate for Change UK in South East England but was not reelected, with the list gaining 4.2% of the votes.{{Cite news |url=https://ig.ft.com/european-elections-2019-results/ |title=European elections 2019: Live results |work=Financial Times |language=en-GB |date=2 July 2019 |access-date=30 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422153221/https://ig.ft.com/european-elections-2019-results/|archive-date=22 April 2023|url-status=live }}

{{Main|Change UK election results}}

{{See also|Elections to the European Parliament|Elections in the United Kingdom}}

{{Notelist}}

• List of elected British politicians who have changed party affiliation
• List of Labour Party (UK) breakaway parties
• Independent Alliance (UK)

• {{cite journal |author=Dennison, James |date=2020 |doi=10.1093/pa/gsaa026 |title=How Niche Parties React to Losing Their Niche: The Cases of the Brexit Party, the Green Party and Change UK |journal=Parliamentary Affairs |volume=73 |pages=125–141|doi-access=free }}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website}}

{{Change UK}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2019 establishments in the United Kingdom

Category:2019 disestablishments in the United Kingdom

Category:Brexit

Category:Centrist political parties in the United Kingdom

Category:Conservative Party (UK) breakaway groups

Category:Defunct political parties in the United Kingdom

Category:February 2019 in the United Kingdom

Category:Labour Party (UK) breakaway groups

Category:Political parties established in 2019

Category:Political parties disestablished in 2019

Category:Pro-European political parties in the United Kingdom