Labour MPs are reportedly plotting to oust Sir Keir Starmer, even after he welcomed rebellious backbenchers back into the party fold. According to the i Paper, the new intake of Labour parliamentarians are among those discussing a future coup, amid despair over the party's poll ratings and discontent that the government may break its manifesto promise not to raise income tax in the upcoming Budget.
This week, four Labour MPs – Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff, Brian Leishman and Rachael Maskell – who were suspended for repeatedly rebelling against the government had the whip restored after discussions with chief whip Jonathan Reynolds. Maskell, who said she was 'Labour to the core', thanked those who supported her during the suspension.
A recent poll found that if a general election were held tomorrow, only 15% of voters would back Labour, with Reform UK on 33%, the Greens on 18%, the Tories on 16%, and the Liberal Democrats on 11%. The prime minister, returning from the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, faces multiple challenges, including a breach of governance code by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and criticism of Justice Secretary David Lammy over the mistaken release of a prisoner.
Lucy Powell, the newly elected Labour deputy leader, has urged the government not to raise taxes in the Budget, warning that breaking manifesto pledges could damage 'trust in politics'. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly planning to cap tax-free pension contributions at £2,000 a year.
