A Watford MP said the decision by three Tory MPs to defect to the Independent Group was the wrong move.

Pro-Remainers Anna Soubry, Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen decided to leave the Conservative party on Wednesday.

They joined eight Labour MPs who have left their own party in protest at Jeremy Corbyn's stance on Brexit and anti-Semitism.

All three penned a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May confirming their departure and criticised the Government for letting the “hard-line anti-EU awkward squad” – the European Research Group led by renowned Eurosceptic Jacob Rees-Mogg – take over the party.

Mr Harrington, who has himself threatened to resign to prevent a no-deal Brexit, was conciliatory.

He said: “I am disappointed that three very talented colleagues and friends have left the party. I respect their decision, but don’t think it was the right one.

“Regardless, I look forward to continuing to work with them on a Brexit deal that protects jobs and the economy.”

Three Rivers District Council's Conservative group leader Alex Hayward lamented the trio’s departure, but she stressed the fact that MPs have a duty to represent their electorate.

She said: “I think it’s very sad that these three MPs have decided to leave the party, they’ve given dedicated service and we are thankful for that.

“Europe and Brexit is a personal decision, but we must honour the vote of the people and it’s unfortunate on that basis they have chosen to leave the party.

“I want the people’s vote to be recognised and the Government has to work to do that.

“I personally don’t see this as a seismic event; Heidi Allen has always been outspoken. I endorse freedom of speech, but MPs have to recognise they are elected by the electorate and we have to respect that, and it was a vote to leave.”