Labour civil war erupts as Starmer faces open party rebellion | Politics | News
Sir Keir Starmer could face a civil war in the Labor Party as reports suggest MPs are plotting to oust him. According to the report, the new group of MPs is among those said to be discussing the idea of a future coup. I Paper. It came as the Prime Minister extended an olive branch to the rebellious backbenchers and welcomed back into the fold four MPs whose whips had been suspended. The sentences of Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff, Brian Leishman and Rachael Maskell were suspended in July.
They are understood to have all returned to Parliamentary Labor following talks with chief whip Jonathan Reynolds on Friday. Ms Maskell was a leading figure in a group of 100 Labor MP rebels who threatened to block benefits reforms earlier this year, claiming the changes would harm people claiming disability benefits.
After repairing his whip, the York Central MP told the PA news agency he was “fundamentally Labor and will always defend Labor values”.
“I am grateful for the well-deserved mending of the whip and would like to thank everyone who has been especially kind to me over the last few months,” Ms Maskell added.
“I will continue to work hard as a Labor and Co-operative MP for my constituents in York.
“After 14 disastrous years, I recognize the heavy responsibility on Labor to repair our public services and economy and, above all, 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.”
Rebel politicians had voted against the Universal Credit Bill despite ministers removing any controversial changes to personal injury payments (PIP).
At the time of the suspension, Ms. Maskell said she was “not angry” but “saddened” to have been suspended for “defending my constituents” on welfare reform.
The reinstatement of rebel MPs’ whips comes as the party’s ratings in the polls are falling. Labor has fallen to fourth place in a new poll, sending the party towards its worst election results in more than a century.
Support fell to 15 per cent, falling behind poll leaders the Conservatives, Greens and Reform UK.
This is the lowest score pollster Find Out Now has recorded for Sir Keir’s party since the general election in July last year. By the way, this is the highest rating the company has given to the left-wing Greens.
It could further damage Labour’s popularity if it comes before Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budget later this month.
