Four Labour MPs suspended for rebelling on welfare have the whip restored

Four Labour MPs suspended for repeatedly rebelling against the Government have had the whip restored.

Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff, Brian Leishman and Rachael Maskell will no longer sit as independents in the Commons following a review of their recent conduct, Labour sources said.

They are all understood to have had the whip returned after discussions with chief whip Jonathan Reynolds on Friday.

The four MPs had on several occasions rebelled against the Government in the run-up to their suspension.

Their most significant rebellion was that against welfare reforms being spearheaded by ministers, which the rebel MPs feared would harm people claiming disability benefits.

All aside from York Central MP Ms Maskell were first elected at last year’s election.

Ms Maskell told the PA news agency she was “Labour to the core and will always stand up for Labour values”, after having the party whip restored.

“I am grateful that the whip has rightfully been restored and want to especially thank all those who have been so kind to me over the last few months,” she said.

The MP added: “I recognise the heavy responsibility on Labour to repair our public services and economy after 14 disastrous years and above all to lift people out of poverty.

“With 4.5 million children living in poverty tonight, I am focused on ensuring they have the very best start in life.”

Mr Duncan-Jordan, the MP for Poole, told PA: “I’ve been part of the Labour and trade union movement for 40 years, so I’m pleased to have had the Labour whip restored today.

“I’ll continue working hard for my constituents in Poole and standing up for Labour values – tackling poverty, raising living standards and building a fairer society.”

Mr Hinchliff welcomed his restoration, and said he had had “constructive discussions” with the new chief whip in recent months.

He added: “As ever, my focus remains on serving the communities of North East Hertfordshire and contributing to Labour’s historic mission to create a society that puts people and nature before profit.”

Their return to the Labour fold comes as Sir Keir Starmer faces a new headache over a potential division within the party.

Lucy Powell, the newly elected Labour deputy leader, has urged the Government not to raise taxes at the coming Budget, amid speculation Chancellor Rachel Reeves is preparing to do so.

Ms Powell said in an interview with the BBC the Government “should be following through” on its manifesto pledge not to raise income tax, national insurance or VAT.

Her warning that such a move could damage “trust in politics” comes after comments by Ms Reeves this week which heightened expectations that the November 26 statement will feature an increase in the basic rate of income tax.

Ministers also continue to feel the fire from Labour backbenchers over measures to improve living standards.

Richard Burgon (Leeds East), and Steve Witherden (Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr), are among those who have recently used House of Commons questions to call for the two-child benefit cap to be scrapped.