‘Imitation is a form of flattery’: Change.org furious at Independent Group MPs over new name

Petitions website suggests MPs have intentionally imitated its name

Change.org says it is “seeking guidance” after a group of MPs previously known as the Independent Group chose a similar name to its own.

The Independent Group said this morning that it would now call itself “Change UK”, ahead of potentially running in the European elections in May.

Shortly after the announcement, key member Anna Soubry referred to the group by the wrong name in parliament – calling it “Change.org”.

The company is said to be furious about the potential confusion caused, and suggested the mix-up may not have been entirely accidental.

“It’s said that imitation is a form of flattery,” Change.org wrote on its UK Twitter account. “But the movement we’ve built in the UK to win campaigns for ordinary people is ours – all 17 million of us.”

“We are seeking guidance on the proposed use of our brand name by those reported to be setting up a new political party.”

The Independent has contacted the group of MPs for comment.

Both Change.org and the Independent Group have been active in campaigns against Brexit, and for a second referendum. The Independent’s Change.org petition for a Final Say on Brexit has been signed by more than 1.2 million people.

Speaking at Change UK’s launch, interim leader Heidi Allen said the rebranding was part of a movement towards becoming a full political party.

“If we are to deliver on our ambition to change politics for the better, it is vital that we attract support from people from every walk of life, every political background and none,” she said.