Sir Keir Starmer has suspended four Labour MPs — Rachael Maskell, Chris Hinchliff, Brian Leishman, and Neil Duncan-Jordan — following repeated breaches of party discipline. The move is seen as an attempt to reassert his authority after a wave of backbench revolts, particularly over controversial welfare reforms. Mr Leishman and Mr Duncan-Jordan responded by saying they had not been elected to make people poorer, while Ms Maskell claimed she was suspended for standing by her constituents.
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The suspensions follow speculation that several Labour MPs have been in talks with a new party reportedly being formed by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and MP Zarah Sultana. Despite the disciplinary action, some Labour insiders argue the move highlights Starmer’s vulnerability, suggesting it could hasten his political downfall. Earlier this month, dozens of Labour MPs rebelled over welfare cuts, forcing the Prime Minister into two significant U-turns on the legislation.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves now faces the challenge of filling a £5 billion gap in the public finances after the retreat on welfare reforms, potentially through tax increases in the upcoming autumn budget. The recent rebellion marked the largest backbench revolt Sir Keir has experienced, further underlining the internal fractures within the party. Mr Leishman reiterated his loyalty to Labour, but insisted it was not his duty as an MP to support measures that make vulnerable people worse off.
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Tensions have also intensified between Labour and the trade unions. The Fire Brigades Union condemned the suspensions as “an outrageous and authoritarian act”, while Unite, one of Labour’s largest affiliates, has suspended Deputy PM Angela Rayner’s membership and is reconsidering its relationship with the party. The breakdown follows disputes over the Birmingham bin strike and resistance to a wealth tax as an alternative to further cuts, suggesting a deepening rift between the Labour leadership and its traditional base.
