Starmer Suspends Labour MPs in Major Welfare Revolt

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has suspended at least three recently elected MPs—Brian Leishman, Neil Duncan-Jordan, and Chris Hinchliff—for persistent breaches of party discipline after they joined nearly 50 Labour MPs in rebelling against government welfare cuts. The rebellion, the largest of Starmer's tenure, occurred after Labour leadership reversed its stance on disability benefit reductions. Critics, including some Labour members and SNP figures, argue the suspensions could suppress future dissent and alienate MPs focused on representing constituents. Others within the party see the crackdown as heavy-handed compared to previous leaders, who allowed more frequent rebellions without such penalties. The suspensions will be reviewed in the future, as Starmer seeks to reassert control before the summer recess. The incident highlights ongoing divisions within Labour over party discipline and policy direction.