Labour MPs Rebel Against Starmer Over Welfare Cuts Amid Premiership Uncertainty

As Sir Keir Starmer approaches his first anniversary as Prime Minister, his leadership is facing significant challenges and growing dissent within the Labour Party. Despite a landslide victory last year, recent events—including multiple U-turns on key policies like winter fuel payments and welfare cuts—have led many Labour MPs to question his ability to lead the party to the next election, with some openly calling for either Starmer or his chief of staff to be replaced. A major rebellion involving over 130 MPs forced Starmer to water down proposed £5 billion cuts to the welfare bill, appeasing rebels but also weakening his position and raising concerns about his authority and future. Critics argue that Starmer is now beholden to welfare bill rebels and lacks the decisiveness needed, while his limited presence in Parliament and infrequent voting record fuel frustrations among colleagues. Starmer himself reflects on the intense responsibility he felt after the election victory and acknowledges the toll politics has taken on his family. He has sought to stabilize his administration by appointing experienced civil servant Sue Gray as chief of staff to bring order to his team, signaling efforts to regain control amid a turbulent first year marked by internal strife and external pressures.