Jeremy Corbyn has formed a new group in Parliament with four other MPs.

The Independent Alliance will not be a political party, but will be an official group that sits together in the House of Commons under the new name.

The five MPs hope that it will mean they are allocated more parliamentary time to ask questions and speak in debates.

They have vowed to campaign on issues such as the winter fuel allowance, the two-child benefit cap and arms sales to Israel.

In July, Corbyn confirmed to the Islington Gazette that he is not currently considering forming a new political party.

Instead, the Islington North MP suggested that like-minded MPs could work together more formally as a “significant grouping” in Parliament.

This included seven Labour MPs who had the whip suspended after voting against the Government and in favour of lifting the two-child benefit cap - although none are currently part of the new grouping.

The Independent Alliance will now have the same parliamentary strength as Reform UK and the DUP, and more than the Green party.

The other MPs who have joined the group are – Ayoub Khan, Adnan Hussain, Iqbal Mohamed and Shockat Adam.

The five MPs wrote to Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to officially confirm the new grouping this morning (September 2).

All were voted in as independent candidates at the general election, with Corbyn being among those to fight off a challenge from the Labour party.

The veteran left-wing MP beat Islington councillor Praful Nargund to retain his seat on July 4.