Karl Turner, the Labour MP for Hull East, has had the party whip suspended following a series of criticisms directed at Sir Keir Starmer and No 10, particularly over changes to jury trials. A Labour source confirmed the suspension was communicated by Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds, citing Turner's conduct as the reason. However, Turner claimed he learned of the decision from journalists, not the whips.
The suspension is partly linked to an interview Turner gave to Jody McIntyre, a campaigner who stood against Labour's Jess Phillips in the 2024 general election. Turner said he was unaware of McIntyre's candidacy and apologised to Phillips, acknowledging she faced a difficult campaign. A Labour source denied the suspension was solely about Turner's opposition to judicial changes, pointing to complaints about his online and parliamentary conduct.
Turner, a former shadow solicitor general who was not given a government role, opposed Ministry of Justice plans to reduce jury trials and introduce judge-only courts. He described the changes as misguided and claimed at least 60 MPs were ready to vote against them, though he abstained at the second reading to allow for amendments. Turner cited his own experience of being charged with handling stolen goods, a case later thrown out for lack of evidence.
Turner has been critical of No 10, particularly former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, whom he called “McSwindle” online and accused of staging a mobile phone theft. In the McIntyre interview, Turner claimed McSweeney was still running the government and that many MPs were angry. Turner previously said he was on a conduct warning and might trigger a by-election if suspended.
Conservative MPs criticised the suspension, with leader Kemi Badenoch calling the government “authoritarian.” Tory MP Neil Shastri-Hurst said it was sad to see punishment for defending jury trials. A Labour source insisted Turner was informed by email, denying journalists were told first. The Jewish Labour Movement backed the suspension, calling the McIntyre interview a “red line.”
