BARROW'S MP has denied he is among the Conservatives reportedly planning to defect to Labour.

Reports suggest up to six Conservative MPs elected in 2019 in so-called red wall seats are planning to cross the floor.

Boris Johnson, the prime minister, survived a vote of no-confidence earlier this month with many Tory MPs unhappy with his leadership.

Furness MP Simon Fell refused to say which way he voted in the secret ballot, but criticised the PM following a report into 'partygate', saying he was 'angry and disappointed'.

Responding to reports of MPs defecting, Mr Fell said: "It's just the normal rumour mill.

"There's nothing to it."

Mr Fell stood for the Conservatives in Barrow and Furness twice before finally winning the seat with a majority of nearly 6,000 votes.    

According to reports, at least one Conservative MP from the 2019 intake is in advanced discussions about potential defection to Labour, with another elected then also in talks with a Labour MP.

The Guardian reported that neither has met Labour leader Keir Starmer or had formal contact with the leaders’ office but they are understood to be communicating with opposition MPs.

It was reported that a number of other Tory MPs in marginal seats have expressed frustrations to Labour MPs and suggested they will only keep their seats by defecting. 

The Sunday Times said up to six MPs were considering defecting.

On Sunday the MP for Bishop Auckland, Dehenna Davison, denied she was considering defecting, as did Caroline Nokes, the MP for Romsey and Southampton North.

Both voted against Boris Johnson in the recent no-confidence vote.

Bury South MP Christian Wakeford defected to Labour earlier this year.

Last week Dalton Conservative councillor Sam Ronson resigned from the party, describing Mr Johnson's premiership as 'a stain on the nation'.

"I felt that I couldn't get to the next election with Boris Johnson in a leadership role and I certainly couldn't, in good conscience, campaign for the party on that basis," said Cllr Ronson.