Four Labour MPs who were suspended from the party for rebelling against the government's controversial welfare reforms have been readmitted following a conduct review.
Rebellious MPs Return to Labour Fold
Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff, Brian Leishman and Rachael Maskell have had the parliamentary whip restored after being suspended for repeatedly voting against their own party's policies. The backbenchers were originally suspended in July after all four defied the Labour leadership to vote against benefits reforms, contributing to a wider rebellion that ultimately forced the government to postpone the changes.
The reinstatement comes at a sensitive time for the Labour party, which faces internal divisions over potential tax increases ahead of the upcoming Budget. The decision to readmit the four MPs was confirmed on Friday 7th November 2025 following a review of their recent conduct.
Standing Up for Constituents
Speaking about her suspension earlier this year, Rachael Maskell, the MP for York Central, became emotional when discussing the impact of welfare cuts on her constituents. She maintained that she had been suspended for "standing up for my constituents" over the government's welfare plans.
All four MPs except Ms Maskell were first elected in last year's general election, making their rebellion particularly significant given their relatively recent arrival in Parliament. The restoration of the whip suggests the Labour leadership is seeking to heal internal divisions as it faces challenging decisions on economic policy.
Broader Party Tensions
The reinstatement occurs against a backdrop of ongoing tension within the Labour party over potential manifesto breaches. Lucy Powell, the newly elected Labour deputy leader, has publicly urged the government not to raise taxes in the coming Budget, directly contradicting speculation that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is preparing to do so.
In a BBC interview, Ms Powell argued the government "should be following through" on its manifesto pledge not to increase income tax, national insurance or VAT. She warned that breaking this promise could damage "trust in politics" significantly.
Meanwhile, pressure continues from Labour backbenchers on other social policy matters. MPs including Richard Burgon (Leeds East) and Steve Witherden (Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr) have recently used House of Commons questions to demand the scrapping of the controversial two-child benefit cap, indicating that backbench rebellions may continue on other welfare issues.
The return of the four MPs represents a significant moment in Labour's ongoing balancing act between party discipline and backbench representation, particularly as the government prepares for its crucial November 26th Budget announcement.
