Keir Starmer has removed the Labour whip from four backbench MPs for repeatedly breaching party discipline, in a move that has caused anger among the parliamentary party. The decision, announced on Wednesday, targets Rachael Maskell, Neil Duncan-Jordan, Brian Leishman and Chris Hinchliff, who have been openly critical of several government policies.
The four MPs led opposition to cuts to the winter fuel allowance and welfare reforms, with Hinchliff also organising a rebellion over the government's planning bill. A Labour source described them as 'persistent rebels'. In a separate action, three other Labour MPs – Rosena Allin-Khan, Bell Ribeiro-Addy and Mohammad Yasin – were stripped of their trade envoy roles.
The move comes after the government was forced to U-turn over controversial welfare cuts, with 47 Labour MPs breaking the whip. One Labour MP accused No 10 of 'learning nothing' and creating a 'climate of fear', while another said colleagues were returning to constituencies 'totally demoralised by these petty and vindictive actions'.
All four suspended MPs issued statements expressing a desire to remain in the party. Maskell said she was suspended for 'standing up for my constituents', while Hinchliff said he hoped 'in time to return to the Labour benches'. Leishman stated he wanted to 'remain a Labour MP and deliver the positive change many voters are craving'.
