Four suspended MPs who repeatedly rebelled against the Government will return to the Labour benches.
The rebellion undermined Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s authority (Image: Getty)
Sir Keir Starmer may face a Labour civil war as reports suggest MPs are plotting to oust him. The newer cohort of parliamentarians are among those said to be discussing the idea of a future coup, according to the i Paper. This comes as the Prime Minister extends an olive branch to the rebellious backbenchers and welcomes four MPs who had their whip suspended, back into the fold. Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff, Brian Leishman and Rachael Maskell had the whip suspended in July.
Following discussions with chief whip Jonathan Reynolds on Friday, they are all understood to have returned to the Parliamentary Labour Party. Ms Maskell was a leading figure in the 100-strong group of Labour MP rebels who threatened to block welfare reforms earlier this year, claiming the changes would harm people claiming disability benefits.
Rachael Maskell was a leading MP in the rebellion (Image: Getty)
After having her whip restored, the MP for York Central told the PA news agency she was “Labour to the core and will always stand up for Labour values”.
“I am grateful that the whip has rightfully been restored and want to especially thank all those who have been so kind to me over the last few months,” Ms Maskell added.
“I will continue to work hard for my constituents in York as their Labour and Co-operative MP.
“I recognise the heavy responsibility on Labour to repair our public services and economy after 14 disastrous years and above all to lift people out of poverty.
“With 4.5million children living in poverty tonight, I am focused on ensuring they have the very best start in life.”
The rebel politicians had voted against the Universal Credit Bill, even after ministers removed every contentious change to personal injury payments (PIP).
At the time of suspension, Ms Maskell said she was “not angry” but “upset” as she was suspended for “standing up for my constituents” over welfare reform.
The rebellious MPs having their whips reinstated come amid the party’s plummeting poll ratings. Labour fell to fourth place in a new opinion poll, putting the party on track for its worst election result in more than a century.
Support dropped to just 15%, dragging behind the Conservatives, the Greens and Reform UK, who are leading the polls.
It is the lowest score that pollster Find Out Now has recorded for Sir Keir’s party since the general election in July last year. Meanwhile, it is the highest score the company has put the left-wing Greens.
It comes ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves‘s Budget later this month which could further damage Labour’s popularity.
