Greek crisis: Syriza rebels break away to form political group

MPs angry at what they see as betrayal of anti-austerity principles announce decision in letter to parliament after Alexis Tsipras's resignation

Hardline rebels have confirmed an irreparable split in Greece's ruling Syriza movement and broken away to form a new anti-austerity party as the country heads towards its fifth general election in six years.

The long-awaited move by up to 29 dissident Syriza MPs on Friday followed the resignation of the prime minister, Alexis Tsipras, who stepped down on Thursday to pave the way for a snap poll widely forecast to strengthen his hold on power.

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