Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft has resigned as a Government whip over proposed benefit cuts. In a letter to the Prime Minister, the MP for Lewisham North said she understood “the need to address the ever-increasing welfare bill” but did not believe the planned changes “should be part of the solution”.

She said: “I have wrestled with whether I should resign or remain in the Government and fight for change from within. Sadly it is now seems that we are not going to get the changes I desperately wanted to see.

“I therefore tender my resignation as I know I will not be able to do the job that is required of me and whip – or indeed vote – for reforms which include cuts to disabled people’s finances.”

Sir Keir Starmer has faced a backlash from some Labour MPs over proposals to reform the welfare system expected to save up to £5 billion a year.