Keir Starmer suspends 3 Labour MPs over discipline breaches
This means that they will sit in the House of Commons as independents, rather than being affiliated with the party.
All three voted against the Government's planned welfare reforms as part of a wider rebellion earlier this month, and all were first elected at last year's election.
🚨 | The Labour Party has suspended the following 3 MPs for "persistent breaches of party discipline"
- Brian Leishman (Alloa & Grangemouth)
- Chris Hinchcliff (North East Hertfordshire)
- Neil Duncan Jordan (Poole)
In total, 47 Labour MPs rebelled against the government's proposed cuts to welfare.
BBC News reports: "The rebellion undermined Sir Keir's authority, which was weakened after a series of policy reversals, such as restoring the winter fuel allowance to millions of pensioners."
The office of Mr Leishman, who represents Alloa and Grangemouth, confirmed he had had the whip 'temporarily suspended," the PA News Agency reported.
🚨 BREAKING: Keir Starmer has suspended Brian Leishman, Chris Hinchliff and Neil Duncan Jordan for "organising on the welfare rebellion and other insurrection" https://t.co/t2J30c5T6v pic.twitter.com/lZ6eJDv0pp
In a statement, he said he is a 'proud Labour member' and remains 'committed to the party'.
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'I wish to remain a Labour MP and deliver the positive change many voters are craving,' he added.
'I have voted against the Government on issues because I want to effectively represent and be the voice for communities across Alloa and Grangemouth.
'I firmly believe that it is not my duty as an MP to make people poorer, especially those that have suffered because of austerity and its dire consequences.'
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