UK Prime Minister Starmer Suspends MPs After Welfare Bill Rebellion
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has suspended several Labour MPs after they defied party lines during a vote on controversial welfare changes, sparking fresh tensions within his party.
Lawmakers Brian Leishman, Neil Duncan-Jordan, and Rachael Maskell confirmed they had been suspended following their opposition to the government’s plan to overhaul disability and sickness benefits. Chris Hinchliff was also reported to have faced similar action.
Earlier this month, Starmer was forced to pull back on the proposed cuts after facing pressure from dozens of MPs who threatened to reject the bill. But despite the retreat, a handful still voted against the reforms during a July 1 parliamentary session.
Duncan-Jordan, who represents Poole, stood by his decision, saying, “I knew there could be consequences, but I couldn’t support a policy that would leave disabled people worse off.”
This marks another rough patch for Starmer, whose first year in office has seen a string of policy reversals. Political analyst Steven Fielding believes the suspensions are Starmer’s attempt to reassert control. “He’s sending a message,” Fielding said, “that continued defiance won’t be tolerated.”
Still, Fielding warns that punishing MPs without understanding their concerns could backfire, especially given the number of dissenting voices. “He needs to listen, not just discipline,” he added.
Labour’s leadership has not yet publicly commented on the suspensions.
Starmer’s approval ratings have taken a hit since his landslide victory last July, which ended over a decade of Conservative rule. His party now lags behind Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, in several opinion polls—though a general election isn’t expected for another four years.
In recent weeks, the government has rolled back other controversial plans, including a proposal to scrap heating allowances for pensioners. Starmer also announced a national inquiry into child sex abuse after facing growing pressure to act.
Despite holding a commanding majority in Parliament, critics within Labour say there’s a widening gap between Starmer’s direction and the party’s traditional values.
Rachael Maskell, one of the suspended MPs, urged the Prime Minister to listen more. “What we need now are bridges, not barricades,” she said. “That’s how he becomes a stronger leader.”
