More Labour chaos as 4 rebel MPs have whip restored | Politics | News
Four Labor MPs who were suspended from office for repeatedly rebelling against the government have had their whips returned. Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff, Brian Leishman and Rachael Maskell will no longer sit as independents in the House of Commons following a review of their recent conduct, Labor sources have said.
It is understood they have all taken back the whips following discussions with Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds on Friday. The four MPs had rebelled against the Government many times before they were suspended from office.
Their most significant rebellions were against ministerial-led welfare reforms; rebel MPs feared it would harm people on disability benefits.
All but York Central MP Ms Maskell were first elected at last year’s election. Mr Duncan-Jordan, MP for Poole, told the PA news agency: “I have been part of the Labor Party and the trade union movement for 40 years, so I am delighted that Labor has been repaired today.
“I will continue to work hard for my constituents in Poole and defend Labor values, tackling poverty, raising living standards and building a fairer society.”
Mr Hincliff welcomed the restoration and said he had had “constructive discussions” with the new chief in recent months.
He added: “As always, my focus remains on serving the communities of North East Hertfordshire and contributing to Labour’s historic mission to create a society that puts people and nature before profit.”
Their return to Labor comes as Sir Keir Starmer faces a new headache over a possible split within the party.
Newly elected Labor deputy leader Lucy Powell has called on the Government not to raise taxes in the upcoming Budget, amid speculation that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is preparing to do so.
In an interview with the BBC, Ms Powell said the Government “must follow through” on its manifesto commitment not to increase income tax, National Insurance or VAT.
His warning that such a move could damage “trust in politics” follows comments from Ms Reeves this week, which raised expectations of a rise in the basic income tax rate in her November 26 statement.
Ministers also continue to face pressure from Labor supporters over measures to improve living standards.
Richard Burgon (Leeds East) and Steve Witherden (Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr) are among those who recently used House of Commons questions to call for the two-child allowance limit to be scrapped.
