Labour eased for next general election as seven MPs quit party

Labour have drifted to 11-8 from 11-10 to win most seats at the next general election after seven of their MPs quit the party.

Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, Mike Gapes, Gavin Shuker and Ann Coffey - who all back a second referendum on EU membership - say they have left in protest at the party's stance on Brexit and its failure to tackle anti-semitism.

They aim to sit as independent MPs and have not formed a new party. Their numbers could increase now the break has been made, with more Labour MPs reportedly close to leaving. Left-wing, pro-European Conservatives may also be attracted.

The Conservatives have shortened to 5-6 from 20-21 for most seats and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has drifted from 4-1 to 9-2 to be the next prime minister.

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