Last time the members of the gang were a distinguished bunch. This time not so much. But then that could be said of our politicians in general.
The seven are claiming the centre ground- which means things as they were in the days of Tony Blair- though they fight shy of using that name because they know it's poison. It's clearer what they're against- Corbyn and his grungey brand of socialism- than what they're for.
They are hoping for more defections. They would rather like some Conservatives to join them- and perhaps they will. Both of the big political parties are in a frightful mess.
Last time nothing very much changed though it seemed that it might. This time....