Remaining rebel Labour MPs have whip restored

Published: 08 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Four Labour MPs who lost the party whip in July for being “persistent rebels” have had the sanction removed, completing the return of backbenchers who were previously penalised for defying party lines. The MPs – Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff, Brian Leishman, and Rachael Maskell – spoke with Labour chief whip Jonathan Reynolds and were allowed to resume full participation in the parliamentary party after a review of their conduct since the suspension.

The initial decision to strip the four MPs of the whip had surprised many colleagues and was widely viewed as a heavy-handed move by Keir Starmer’s office, following a government retreat on welfare reform earlier in the year. All four had been openly critical of a range of policies, prompting concerns that the leadership was seeking to enforce strict discipline among backbenchers.

Maskell, who represents York Central, and Duncan-Jordan, MP for Poole, were prominent in opposing cuts to the winter fuel allowance and welfare reforms, speaking out strongly against measures they argued would harm vulnerable communities. Hinchliff, representing North East Hertfordshire, had organised a rebellion over the government’s flagship planning bill, raising concerns about the environmental impact and potential damage to natural habitats. All but Maskell were part of Labour’s 2024 intake of MPs.

Alongside the restoration of the whip for these four, party whips removed trade envoy roles from three other MPs who had rebelled in parliamentary votes: Rosena Allin-Khan, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, and Mohammad Yasin. The decision reflects the party’s ongoing attempt to balance discipline with inclusivity, ensuring backbenchers are accountable while also allowing for dissenting voices to contribute constructively.

In response to having the whip restored, Hinchliff welcomed the decision, stating, “I’m pleased to have returned to the parliamentary Labour party and welcome the constructive discussions I’ve had with the new chief whip in recent months. 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.”

Duncan-Jordan emphasised his long-standing commitment to Labour values. “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,” he said. “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.”

Maskell echoed the sentiment, stating she remains “Labour to the core and will always stand up for Labour values.” She added, “I will continue to work hard for my constituents in York as their Labour and Co-operative MP.”

This round of whip restorations follows a series of reinstatements dating back to 2024. Shortly after the general election that year, seven Labour MPs lost the whip for supporting an amendment to the King’s speech calling for an end to the two-child benefit cap, a measure linked to rising child poverty. Of these seven, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Ian Byrne, Imran Hussain, and Richard Burgon had their whip restored earlier in the year, in January and February. John McDonnell and Apsana Begum were reinstated in September.

The seventh, Zarah Sultana, has cut ties with Labour and is attempting to launch a new leftwing party alongside former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was re-elected as an independent in 2024. Sultana is among a small group of MPs elected on the Labour ticket last year who are now sitting as independents, alongside Diane Abbott.

Abbott, who represents Hackney North and Stoke Newington, was suspended for a second time in July after comments about racism drew criticism. She stated that people of colour experience racism “all their lives,” a comment she maintained was factually correct. Abbott’s suspension highlights the ongoing tensions between individual MPs’ statements and the party’s approach to public accountability.

Other former Labour MPs currently sitting as independents include Rosie Duffield, who resigned from the parliamentary party a few months after the 2024 election; Andrew Gwynne, sacked as a minister and stripped of the whip following the emergence of offensive messages in a WhatsApp group; and Dan Norris, suspended after being arrested on suspicion of rape and child sex offences.

The restoration of the whip for the remaining rebel MPs marks a key moment for the Labour Party, signalling a willingness to reintegrate dissenting voices and focus on unity ahead of future parliamentary sessions. Party insiders emphasise that while discipline remains important, the leadership is seeking to balance enforcement with reconciliation, ensuring that MPs can contribute effectively while maintaining loyalty to the party’s objectives.

Observers note that the reintegration process may also have broader implications for party strategy, as Labour seeks to present a cohesive front in debates over welfare, planning, and social policy. The return of these MPs allows the party to leverage their expertise and advocacy for local constituents, while also mitigating the risk of further public divisions arising from internal disciplinary actions.

As the parliamentary Labour Party moves forward, the restored MPs are expected to continue their work on key issues affecting their constituencies, while contributing to policy discussions within the party. Their return underscores the importance of dialogue and constructive engagement between leadership and backbenchers, particularly in a political environment where internal dissent can shape public perception and influence legislative outcomes.