Whip restored to Labour MPs who rebelled over welfare reforms

Four MPs suspended from the Labor Party after rebelling against welfare reforms have had their whips returned.

Chris Hinchliff, from North East Hertfordshire, was suspended along with Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan, Alloa and Grangemouth MP Brian Leishman and York Central MP Rachael Maskell. after voting against The government’s Welfare Reform Bill in July.

The BBC understands they are bringing back the whip after talks with chief whip Jonathan Reynolds on Friday.

Hinchliff said: “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.”

All four MPs rebelled against the government on various occasions before being suspended.

The group was among 47 Labor MPs who rebelled against the government’s welfare cuts in July, forcing ministers to water down their plans.

The rebellion undermined the authority of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer; This authority has been weakened following a series of policy changes, including the reintroduction of the Winter Fuel Payment to millions of pensioners.

On: suspension timeStarmer said he was “determined” to change the country “for the better”.

“That’s why we have to deal with people breaking the whip over and over again,” he said.

Hinchliff said he welcomed the reinstatement of the whip and had had “constructive discussions” with the new chief whip in recent months.

Duncan-Jordan said she was “delighted” the whip had been repaired.

“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,” he added.

Maskell said he was “grateful” to get the whip back.

“After 14 disastrous years, I recognize the heavy responsibility on Labor to repair our public services and our economy and, above all, to lift people out of poverty.

“Tonight, with 4.5 million children living in poverty, I am focused on ensuring they have the best start in life,” he added.

The move comes as the party has had a difficult month in government and as concerns grow among Labor MPs that taxes will need to rise in the upcoming budget.

Newly elected Labor deputy leader Lucy Powell has called on the government not to increase taxes in the next budget.

Powell told the BBC the government “must implement” its manifesto pledge not to increase income tax, national tax or VAT.