URGENT UPDATE: Reports confirm that Labour MPs are conspiring to oust Sir Keir Starmer amid growing discontent with the party’s performance and the government’s policies. This alarming development comes just as Labour welcomes back four rebel MPs who had previously defied the party line.
Insiders indicate that new Labour parliamentarians are discussing strategies for a potential coup, as the party struggles with poor poll ratings and fears that the government might break its manifesto pledge not to raise income tax. The i Paper details these discussions among more than 100 Labour MPs who previously threatened to block welfare reforms, which they believe could adversely affect those on disability benefits.
In a surprising turn, Labour has restored the whip to Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff, Brian Leishman, and Rachael Maskell, who had their party membership suspended in July for rebelling against the government’s plans. Following talks with chief whip Jonathan Reynolds on Friday, these MPs are now back in the Parliamentary Labour Party.
Maskell expressed her relief, stating, “I am Labour to the core and will always stand up for Labour values. I am grateful that the whip has rightfully been restored.” This restoration comes as Labour faces intense scrutiny over its leadership and direction.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Lisa Nandy is under fire for breaching governance codes related to public appointments, after it was revealed that she received £2,900 in donations from her pick for a new football watchdog chair. The Conservative Party is calling for Sir Keir Starmer to face further scrutiny from the government’s ethics adviser due to similar donation concerns.
Adding to the turmoil, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy faces backlash following the mistaken release of a prisoner from HMP Wandsworth. The prisoner, a 24-year-old Algerian sex offender named Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, was returned to custody on Friday, but Lammy’s failure to address the incident during Prime Minister’s Questions has raised eyebrows.
As speculation mounts, newly elected Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell has urged the government to maintain its promise not to raise taxes in the upcoming November 26 Budget. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly considering capping tax-free pension contributions, potentially undermining public trust in political commitments.
The situation is developing rapidly, and the implications for Labour’s future are profound. Watch for updates as tensions rise within the party and the government navigates a challenging political landscape.
