Labour Welfare Cuts U-Turn Following 120 MP Rebllion

As Sir Keir Starmer marks one year as Prime Minister, his leadership faces significant challenges marked by multiple high-profile U-turns on key welfare policies. Starmer abandoned major reforms to restrict eligibility for personal independence payments following a rebellion from over 120 Labour MPs, weakening his authority and causing a financial gap. This follows his earlier reversal on winter fuel payments, expanding eligibility after initially cutting it. Critics, including former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, accuse Starmer's government of being dominated by austerity-driven Treasury officials and centralizing power by suppressing internal party democracy, deselecting progressive candidates, and stifling dissent. Commentators highlight a broader dysfunction within Starmer's premiership, describing the welfare reform saga as a 'slow-motion car crash' that exposes deep divisions and threatens his administration's stability. Despite Labour's slim electoral victory, the party struggles with internal rebellion and public skepticism, complicating efforts to present a cohesive reform agenda.