Chuka to talk for the Tiggers: Umunna to be the spokesman for The Independent Group of ex-Labour and Tory MPs as they unveil the portfolios they will work The group does not have a formal leader but Mr Umunna's role as 'group spokesperson' suggests he will play a crucial role for TIG The MPs quit two of the traditional political parties saying they wanted to give the nation something fresh and counter the stale status quo TIG chose the plush, wood-panelled surroundings of One Great George Street for their debut get-together earlier this weekBy Joe Middleton For Mailonline Published: 02:05 GMT, 1 March 2019 | Updated: 02:05 GMT, 1 March 2019 Viewcomments Former Labour frontbencher Chuka Umunna has been named as the spokesman for the Independent Group (TIG) of breakaway MPs. In an indication the 11-strong group of former Labour and Tory MPs expects further defections, Sarah Wollaston has been given responsibility for 'new colleagues'. The group does not have a formal leader but Mr Umunna's role as 'group spokesperson' suggests he will play a crucial role for TIG as it seeks to build its profile. The group does not have a formal leader but Mr Umunna's (pictured with Angela Smith) role as 'group spokesperson' suggests he will play a crucial role for TIG as it seeks to build its profile Mr Umunna said: 'Our team is diverse and drawn from different backgrounds, including a former teacher, social worker, lecturer, entrepreneur, solicitor and GP. 'We intend to draw on all the talents and experiences of our group, as we seek to change politics and give the British people a proper alternative to the broken politics being offered by the main political parties. 'We are not a political party and therefore do not have a leader, but the roles and responsibilities we have assigned recognise that all the members of our group have the right to be heard and a responsibility to provide leadership. 'Our structure is designed to be flexible to accommodate any changes as the group evolves and grows.' The Independent Group headed out earlier this week for a Nando's, and the group were all smiles as they tucked into a variety of salads, burgers, chicken and chips The group of MPs quit two of the traditional political parties saying they wanted to give the nation something fresh and counter the stale status quo. TIG chose the plush, wood-panelled surroundings of One Great George Street, a conference venue within a stone's throw of Parliament, for their debut get-together earlier this week. They were then snapped at popular restaurant chain Nando's which is celebrated for its Portuguese-style Peri Peri chicken. The group agreed the following roles for its members: Heidi Allen: welfare and pensions, social care, and businessLuciana Berger: home affairs, health, and digital and cultureAnn Coffey: children and educationMike Gapes: foreign affairs and defenceChris Leslie: Treasury and tradeJoan Ryan: group business manager and international developmentGavin Shuker: group convenerAngela Smith: transport, local government and housing, and energy, environment and rural affairsAnna Soubry: Brexit and justice (and assisting on defence)Chuka Umunna: group spokesperson, Cabinet Office, and government policy coordinationSarah Wollaston - new colleagues. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility