The Labour Party rebellion has triggered a major disciplinary crackdown. Prime Minister Keir Starmer suspended four MPs for defying the government’s welfare reform bill. Neil Duncan-Jordan, Brian Leishman, Chris Hinchliff, and Rachael Maskell will now sit as independents after losing the party whip.
Three other Labour MPs—Rosena Allin-Khan, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, and Mohammed Yasin—were stripped of trade envoy roles. The punishment follows their votes against controversial benefit cuts earlier this month. The Labour Party rebellion saw 47 MPs oppose the reforms, forcing ministers to soften the policy.
Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, organized much of the resistance. She called the bill an “omnishambles” and condemned its “Dickensian” cuts. Maskell denied being a rebel but vowed to prioritize constituents. “I’m here to build a bridge,” she told Starmer, signaling openness to reconciliation.
Neil Duncan-Jordan, a first-term MP, warned the reforms were “impossible to support.” He pledged to keep fighting for disabled constituents despite his suspension. Similarly, Brian Leishman stressed his commitment to Labour values but refused to back policies harming vulnerable groups.
Chris Hinchliff echoed their defiance, promising to continue advocating for his voters. All four had previously rebelled on other bills, but welfare cuts proved the breaking point.
The Labour Party rebellion reflects deepening internal strife. Over 120 MPs threatened to block the bill, which aimed to save £5 billion by slashing disability benefits. Though concessions eased tensions, dozens still voted against it.
This marks Starmer’s second major clash with backbenchers since the election. Last year, he suspended seven MPs, including Zarah Sultana, who quit to form a new party with Jeremy Corbyn. Critics accuse Starmer of suppressing dissent rather than addressing policy concerns.
John McDonnell, another expelled MP, praised Duncan-Jordan’s principled stand. Meanwhile, Conservatives mocked the suspensions as a distraction from economic woes.
With Parliament adjourning for summer, the suspended MPs face an uncertain future. Starmer’s leadership will be tested as rebels demand more influence over policy. The Labour Party highlights the challenges of governing with a large but divided majority.
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