Overview
- Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff, Brian Leishman and Rachael Maskell rejoin the Parliamentary Labour Party after meetings with chief whip Jonathan Reynolds and a review of recent conduct.
- The four were suspended in July for repeated rebellions, most notably over disability benefit reforms that were later dropped after more than 100 Labour MPs threatened to block the plans.
- Rachael Maskell said she is “Labour to the core,” while the reinstatements follow months in which other rebels saw varied sanctions eased or lifted.
- The timing aligns with efforts to lower tensions before the 26 November Budget, as Lucy Powell cautions against tax rises and reports discuss possible limits on tax‑free pension salary sacrifice; such fiscal changes remain unconfirmed.
- Separate reporting indicates some Labour MPs are discussing leadership scenarios given weak polling, though no formal challenge to Keir Starmer is under way; Rachel Reeves has signalled no major welfare reforms in the Budget while insisting welfare cannot be left untouched.