WORCESTERSHIRE MPs have all said they are sad to see MPs defect from the Conservative Party in recent days.

The Independent Group, launched on Monday by seven defecting Labour MPs, saw their numbers rise on Wednesday as Conservative MPs Anna Soubry, Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen left the Tories to join.

And yesterday members of the group were saying both the Labour and Conservative parties could face more defections in the coming days.

City MP Robin Walker said he was sorry to see the Tory defectors go, but would welcome them back.

He said: “I think the names we have seen leave have not been a particular surprise.

“I would be surprised if many more leave. It won’t change parliamentary arithmetic as these people have already been voting against the government. It is clear everybody in politics is under pressure on Brexit. I am sorry to see them go, and hope they come back.”

The Brexit Minister said he didn’t think the defections increased the chance of a general election and he wasn’t calling for those who had left to call by-elections at this stage. But he said he “drew the line” on MPs switching parties, so would call for the independents to go back to the ballot box if their group becomes a party.

“We will have to wait and see - it would be strange to see them form a party, when members of the group come from different places politically,” he said.

“We do live in strange times though.”

Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, said: “I was sorry to learn several colleagues have taken the decision to resign the whip and leave the party.

“I am particularly sad they no longer want to back the commitments they made on Brexit in the 2017 manifesto. I continue to support the Prime Minister’s approach.”

Nigel Huddleston, MP for Mid Worcestershire, said he was disappointed to see the three Tory defections, “particularly as they are personal friends.”

“It is Brexit that has caused this, as they are calling for a second referendum,” the MP said.

“I don’t think we will see any more (defections). I would hope they come back - there is always a home in the Conservative party for them. The Conservative party is a broad church. If you want to change things stay close to the leaders of those in power.

“It is sad for both Labour and Conservatives at the moment. I have said I wish the individuals who have left well but if they become a new party I wouldn’t wish that party well.”

Mr Huddleston added whether the members of the Independent group call by-elections, was a matter for them.

Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Worcester, Lynn Denham, said: “It is sad that a small group of MPs have chosen to resign the Labour whip.

“I have been a member of the Labour Party for 28 years. Labour’s values of social justice, equality, standing up for workers’ rights and ensuring no community is left behind, are unchanged.

“The Conservative government are creating Brexit chaos.

“I want to be Worcester’s MP because austerity is not inevitable. We can have an economy and a country that works for the many not the few, under a Labour government.”

READ MORE: City councillor's pay to increase next year - but not as much as first thought