Latest news with #Rachel Maskell
Bloomberg
6 days ago
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Labour Suspends UK MPs Following Welfare Revolt Earlier in July
Labour suspended a number of its members of Parliament for breaking party discipline following a large-scale rebellion over welfare cuts earlier this month. The Times of London and the Guardian on Wednesday said Labour had suspended at least three MPs, while the Financial Times said several were expected to be suspended. Neil Duncan-Jordan and Brian Leishman both confirmed their suspensions. The I named Chris Hinchliff as a third MP suspended, while the Independent said Rachel Maskell, one of the leaders of the welfare revolt, had also been called in to talk to the party's chief whip.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Three Labour MPs suspended for breaches of party discipline
Sir Keir Starmer has suspended at least three MPs for repeated breaches of party discipline, Sky News understands. Brian Leishman, Chris Hinchliff and Neil Duncan-Jordan have lost the whip, meaning they are no longer part of Labour's parliamentary party and will sit as independent MPs. A fourth MP, Rachel Maskell, is currently in meetings with party whips. All four had voted against the government's welfare reforms earlier this month. However, it's understood this isn't the only reason behind the decision. Over 100 MPs had initially rebelled against the plan to cut personal independent payments (pip). Ultimately 47 voted against the bill's third reading, after it was watered down significantly in the face of backlash. The three suspended MPs were all newly elected in 2024. Mr Hinchliff, for North East Hertfordshire, told local media in June that he was willing to lose the whip over the welfare reforms. He also proposed a series of amendments to the flagship planning and infrastructure criticising the government's approach. Mr Duncan-Jordan, the MP for Poole, led a rebellion against the cut to the winter fuel payments while Alloa and Grangemouth MP Mr Leishman has been critical of the government's position on Gaza. In a statement, Mr Duncan-Jordan told Sky News that he understood speaking out against benefit cuts would "come at a cost" but said he "couldn't support making disabled people poorer". He added: "Although I've been suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party today, I've been part of the Labour and trade union movement for 40 years and remain as committed as ever to its values. "To my constituents: it's business as usual. I remain your hardworking local MP, I will continue to take up your concerns and speak up for Poole." Mr Leishman echoed that sentiment, saying that despite his suspension he is "a proud Labour member" and remains "committed to the party". "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," he said. "It is the honour of my life to be the MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, and my priority remains representing and fighting for constituents, whether they voted for me or not." This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the latest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
