Another Labour MP is considering quitting the party due to a culture of "extremism, antisemitism and intolerance".

Dudley North MP Ian Austin, a former minister, revealed he is thinking "very carefully" about whether to follow seven other MPs in defecting from Labour.

On Monday, Chuka Umunna, Gavin Shuker, Mike Gapes, Angela Smith, Chris Leslie, Luciana Berger and Ann Coffey dramatically resigned from Labour to sit as a group of independent MPs in parliament.

Corbyn regrets losing seven Labour MPs

They cited concerns with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's stance on Brexit and handling of antisemitism allegations, amongst other issues.

Their departure has prompted speculation more MPs could join them in quitting Labour, with suggestions some Conservative MPs may also resign from their party to join the new grouping.


Labour deputy leader Tom Watson has already suggested more groups of MPs could desert Labour in a stark warning to Mr Corbyn.

Mr Austin, a vocal critic of Mr Corbyn, told his local Express and Star newspaper he will make a "big decision" on his position within Labour.

He said: "People, me included, are going to be thinking long and hard about the position we're in now.

"It's a big decision, and I'm listening to local people. I don't shy away from difficult decisions.

"I'll think about this very carefully, I'll make my decision, and I'll be accountable for it and explain it to local people, just as I always have."

The newspaper reported he is expected to make his decision by the end of the week.

'Racist and antisemitic': Why MPs left

Last year, Labour dropped action against Mr Austin over his clash with the party's chairman Ian Lavery at the height of an antisemitism row.

He had been accused of "abusive conduct in parliament", with it understood Mr Austin told Mr Lavery: "Under this leadership the Labour Party has become a sewer."

He denied being personally abusive to Mr Lavery before the case was closed with no action taken.

The launch of the Independent Group on Monday threatened to be overshadowed within hours by a racism row.

During a TV appearance after her resignation from Labour, Ms Smith appeared to describe ethnic minority people as having a "funny tinge".

The Penistone and Stocksbridge MP said she was "very tired" when she made the comments.

She told Sky News on Tuesday: "I never meant to say that. I misspoke really badly.

"I was very, very tired at that point, I had had six hours of press engagement and I was very tired.

"I was very tired, I misspoke really, really badly and that's not who I am.

"I'm very confident about that, it's not who I am and I think anybody who knows me would verify that."