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Labour Restores Whip to Four MPs After July Rebellion

Talks with the Chief Whip and a conduct review ended the disciplinary rift that followed votes against proposed disability benefit cuts.

Overview

  • The four are Brian Leishman, Chris Hinchliff, Neil Duncan-Jordan and Rachael Maskell.
  • They were suspended in July for repeated breaches of party discipline after joining dozens of backbenchers in opposing proposed disability benefit cuts.
  • The government later abandoned the planned cuts following the large backbench revolt.
  • The decision to return them to the parliamentary party followed discussions with the Chief Whip and a review of their recent conduct.
  • Maskell said she acted to stand up for constituents and had a positive conversation with the Chief Whip, while Leishman said he was devastated to lose the whip and had no forewarning.