Non-affiliated lawmakers plan to make their Alliance group a party.
Group members and other sources said forming the party ahead of the district council polls next year would help persuade independent politicians and professionals to run under its banner.
They are also eyeing the selection at the end of this year of the Election Committee that will choose the next chief executive.
Patrick Lau Sau-shing, who represents architects, planners and surveyors, said: 'Without forming a party, no political group can survive under universal suffrage.'
The five non-affiliated lawmakers, formerly known as the Breakfast Group, consider themselves a crucial minority in the Legislative Council.
A source said the move to become a political party move was backed by the central government.
