Tory Remainer insists she WON’T join rebel Independent Group as other pro-EU Conservatives poised to quit

A TORY arch-Remainer has ruled out joining Chuka Umunna’s breakaway party – saying the Conservatives are a “broad church”.

Antoinette Sandbach said she “respected” those who had left the Labour Party – and was surprised more hadn’t left.

But she said: “I am proud that the Conservative Party is still a broad church and is the only viable means of delivering a moderate, mature government that acts in the national interest.”

Yet she warned Tory chiefs had to “remain vigilant” to the threat posed by Ukip supporters signing up as party members to force deselections – the so-called "Purple Momentum".

Ms Sandbach said: “I hope that we do not fall victim to the same intolerance and deselection obsession that has taken over the Labour party.”

The comments came just hours after Nick Boles, another rumoured to be considering a move, said the talk was “b*****s”.

The Sun today revealed senior Tories fear up to six backbenchers could quit to join the Labour seven. Ms Sandbach was one of those rumoured to be considering a switch.

Sources claim that Heidi Allen and Sarah Wollaston are "favourites" to join Chuka Umunna’s breakaway first. Neither are commenting.

Anna Soubry – a fellow People’s Vote supporter – is expected to wait. One senior source said: “People have to remember that the Government accepted Anna Soubry’s amendment about a No Deal last week.

“It would be strange for her to go now.”

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