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In a move underscoring party discipline, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has suspended four Labour Members of Parliament following repeated breaches of party directives.
Sources at the BBC indicate that Neil Duncan-Jordan, Brian Leishman, Chris Hinchliff, and Rachael Maskell have had the Labour whip withdrawn. As a result, these MPs will now sit as independent members within the House of Commons.
Furthermore, Rosena Allin Khan, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, and Mohammed Yasin have been removed from their positions 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 dissent has challenged Sir Keir’s leadership, compounded by recent policy adjustments, such as the reinstatement of the winter fuel allowance for millions of pensioners.
Rachael Maskell, MP for York, stated to the BBC that her parliamentary role is to advocate for her constituents.
“I don’t see myself as a rebel,” Maskell commented. “However, I am committed to voicing the interests of those I represent.”
In a direct message to the Prime Minister, she added, “I am here to foster collaboration.”
Duncan-Jordan, Leishman, and Hinchliff were all newly elected as Labour MPs in the previous year’s general election.
Duncan-Jordan, representing Poole, spearheaded a letter cautioning that the government’s welfare changes were “untenable” without a “change of course.”
In a statement, Duncan-Jordan explained, “Since my election, I have consistently represented my constituents on various issues, including the recent disability benefit cuts. I recognized the potential consequences, but I could not endorse policies that would impoverish disabled individuals.”
“Despite my suspension from the Parliamentary Labour Party, my 40 years within the Labour and trade union movement reaffirm my unwavering commitment to its values.”
“To my constituents: it’s business as usual. I remain your dedicated local MP, and I will continue to address your concerns and champion Poole’s interests.”
Leishman, the MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, has also been a vocal critic of the government’s benefit system overhaul.
He stated, “I am a proud Labour member and remain dedicated to the party. I aspire to continue as a Labour MP and deliver the positive change that many voters desire.”
“My votes against the government reflect my commitment to effectively represent and advocate for the communities of Alloa and Grangemouth. I firmly believe that my role as an MP is not to contribute to the financial hardship of individuals, particularly those affected by austerity and its detrimental effects.”
“Serving as the MP for Alloa and Grangemouth is a tremendous honor, and my priority remains representing and fighting for all constituents, regardless of their voting preference.”
The BBC has sought comment from Hinchliff.
Numerous Labour MPs have voiced concerns regarding the government’s plans to reduce disability and sickness-related benefits, aiming to achieve annual savings of £5 billion by 2030.
Over 120 Labour MPs threatened to oppose 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, the continued opposition of numerous Labour MPs constitutes a substantial revolt within a party that secured a significant majority in last year’s 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, who previously rebelled over the two-child benefit cap, recently resigned from Labour and announced her intention to form a new party with former Labour leader and current independent MP, Jeremy Corbyn.
In a post on X, Sultana stated that Labour was “penalizing MPs who opposed cuts that would impoverish 800,000 disabled individuals.”
She further added: “Insecure men. No vision. No compassion.”
Blake Stephenson suggests the “narrative of builders v blockers” is causing unease.
General Secretary Sharon Graham indicates the union may reconsider its relationship with the party.
Mark Drakeford advocates for a tax to address wealth disparity.
Planned changes will grant leave from work to parents experiencing pregnancy loss at any stage.
The health secretary refrains from committing to a timeline for dental contract reform until its feasibility is confirmed.
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