LLOYD Russell-Moyle said the Tories could take Labour’s seats in Brighton and Hove after a split in the party.

Seven MPs quit Labour this morning to form The Independent Group.

They cited Jeremy Corbyn’s handling of Brexit and anti-Semitism among the reasons for their decision.

But the Kemptown MP has said the split could potentially “betray Brighton and Hove” and might divide the vote in the next general election.

He said: “If there’s a split within the Labour vote then there’s a danger you might see Conservatives down in Brighton.

“The new Independent Group, or the centrist party as it will become known, is deeply disappointing and upsetting.

“That’s because Labour is a broad church and we’re stronger because of it.”

The seven MPs who have resigned from the party are Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, Mike Gapes, Gavin Shuker and Ann Coffey.

They will sit in Parliament as an Independent Group and not a political party.

They will all back a further EU referendum.

Mr Umunna, a former shadow business secretary under Ed Miliband, is urging other MPs to join them in “building a new politics”.

Mr Russell-Moyle added: “It is extremely counter-productive in dealing with the issues and could potentially betray Brighton and Hove.

“I’m sure history will prove their move is wrong as it might strengthen the Conservative government and make a hard Brexit more likely.

“History might not forgive them but I will always be willing to talk.

“It’s not too late for them to change their minds.”

Peter Kyle, MP for Hove and Portslade, said he would not be joining the group in the near future and said his own “compromise deal” was “the only thing on his mind”.

This is where the public would have to approve any Brexit deal in a final vote.

Following the split, Labour MPs are being asked to sign a “loyalty pledge” which urges them to commit to leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Mr Kyle, who has long been a critic of Mr Corbyn, said he would never sign such a pledge.

He said: “I think leadership should be compelling, not compulsive.

“And my actions speak for themselves, I don’t need to make a pledge to back them up.”