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Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, has suspended four Labour Members of Parliament following repeated breaches of party discipline.
Sources at the BBC indicate that Neil Duncan-Jordan, Brian Leishman, Chris Hinchliff, and Rachael Maskell have had the party whip withdrawn, effectively relegating them to independent status within the House of Commons.
In addition to the suspensions, three other Labour MPs—Rosena Allin-Khan, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, and Mohammed Yasin—have been relieved of their duties as trade envoys.
These actions follow the aforementioned MPs’ decision to vote against the government’s welfare reform bill earlier this month.
In total, 47 Labour MPs defied the government’s proposed welfare cuts, compelling ministers to moderate their initial plans.
This rebellion has undermined Sir Keir’s authority, which had already been weakened by a series of policy reversals, including the reinstatement of the winter fuel allowance for millions of pensioners.
Rachael Maskell, the MP for York, told the BBC that her election mandate was to advocate for her constituents.
“I don’t see myself as a rebel,” Maskell stated. “But I am committed to championing the interests of my constituents, irrespective of the political consequences.”
Addressing the Prime Minister directly, she added, “I am here to facilitate constructive dialogue.”
Duncan-Jordan, Leishman, and Hinchliff were all newly elected as Labour MPs in the previous year’s general election.
Duncan-Jordan, representing Poole, had previously organized a letter cautioning that the government’s proposed welfare changes were “untenable” without a “change of course.”
In an official statement, Duncan-Jordan said: “Since my election, I have consistently championed the concerns of my constituents, notably regarding the recent cuts to disability benefits. I understood the potential repercussions, but I could not support policies that would impoverish disabled individuals.”
“Although I have been suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party, my 40-year commitment to the Labour and trade union movement and its core values remains steadfast.”
“To my constituents: it is business as usual. I will continue to serve as your dedicated local MP, addressing your concerns and advocating for the interests of Poole.”
Leishman, the MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, has also been a vocal critic of the government’s benefit system reforms.
He stated: “I am a proud member of the Labour Party and remain committed to its principles. I aspire to continue serving as a Labour MP and to deliver the positive change that many voters seek.”
“My votes against the government on various issues reflect my dedication to representing and amplifying the voices of communities across Alloa and Grangemouth. I firmly believe that my role as an MP is not to impoverish individuals, especially those who have already suffered from austerity and its severe consequences.”
“Serving as the MP for Alloa and Grangemouth is the greatest honor of my life, and my priority remains representing and advocating for all constituents, regardless of their voting preferences.”
The BBC has reached out to Hinchliff for comment.
Numerous Labour MPs have voiced concerns regarding the government’s plans to reduce disability and sickness-related benefits, aiming to achieve £5 billion in annual savings by 2030.
Over 120 Labour MPs threatened to obstruct the bill, potentially jeopardizing its passage.
Ministers offered significant concessions to appease dissenting Labour MPs, resulting in a revised bill that ultimately passed through the Commons.
However, dozens of Labour MPs continued to oppose the bill, marking a substantial revolt within a party that secured a significant majority in the last general election.
Sir Keir previously sought to enforce party discipline by suspending seven Labour MPs who voted against the government’s proposal to eliminate the two-child benefit cap.
Zarah Sultana, one of the MPs who rebelled over the two-child benefit cap, recently resigned from the Labour Party and announced her intention to establish a new party alongside Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader who now sits as an independent MP.
In a post on X, Sultana alleged that Labour was “punishing MPs who opposed cuts that would push 800,000 disabled people into poverty.”
She further added: “Insecure men. No vision. No compassion.”
Blake Stephenson asserts that the “narrative of builders v blockers” is alienating individuals.
General Secretary Sharon Graham suggests that the union may re-evaluate its relationship with the party.
Mark Drakeford advocates for a tax aimed at addressing the wealth disparity.
Under planned amendments, parents who experience pregnancy loss at any stage will be entitled to workplace leave.
The health secretary states that a firm timeline for dental contract reform cannot be guaranteed until feasibility is assured.
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