Labour MP Karl Turner Loses Whip Amid Criticism of Leadership and Judicial Overhaul
Karl Turner, the MP for Hull East, has had the Labour whip suspended after a series of interventions criticising Keir Starmer and the government, particularly on proposed changes to jury trials. A Labour source confirmed that Turner was informed of the suspension by chief whip Jonathan Reynolds due to his conduct, though Turner denied receiving direct notification and claimed he learned of it from journalists.
Controversial Interview Sparks Suspension
The suspension is understood to have been prompted in part by an interview Turner gave to Jody McIntyre, a campaigner who stood against Labour's Jess Phillips in the 2024 elections. Turner stated on X that he had not been notified by the whips, saying, "I am being told that I have had the whip suspended but I have not had any notification from the whips about this. It seems journalists have been told but I have not." A Labour source denied that the suspension was linked to Turner's opposition to judicial changes, citing complaints about his conduct both online and in parliament from other MPs.
Opposition to Judicial Reforms
Turner, who served as shadow solicitor general but 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 deeply misguided, claiming at least 60 MPs were prepared to vote against them. Turner abstained at the second reading of the bill in hopes of prompting amendments, citing his personal experience with the criminal justice system after being charged with handling stolen goods, a case later dismissed due to lack of evidence.
Escalating Tensions with No 10
In recent months, Turner has been explicitly critical of No 10, accusing it of briefing against him, particularly targeting former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney. He referred to McSweeney as "McSwindle" online and suggested he staged the theft of a mobile phone. In the interview with McIntyre, Turner claimed McSweeney was still influencing operations behind the scenes and that several MPs were "very angry" about the situation.
Apology and Clarification Over Interview
Turner stated he was unaware McIntyre had stood against Jess Phillips when he agreed to the interview, describing McIntyre as an independent journalist. He said, "I had no idea he stood against Jess Phillips and I'd never have given an interview to him if I'd have known who he was." Turner apologised to Phillips, acknowledging she had a difficult campaign, which included heckles during her victory speech and allegations of a Labour campaigner's tyres being slashed on election day.
Political Reactions and Support
Conservative MPs criticised the suspension, with leader Kemi Badenoch posting on X, "This Labour Government is SO authoritarian." Tory MP Neil Shastri-Hurst added, "If true, it is sad to see the government punish an MP for standing up for jury trials – a fundamental safeguard in our justice system." Meanwhile, the Jewish Labour Movement backed the suspension, calling the interview with McIntyre "crossing a red line." A Labour source reiterated that Turner was informed by email and denied journalists were told first.
