UPDATE: Tensions within the Labour Party escalate as reports emerge that Labour MPs are scheming to unseat leader Sir Keir Starmer. This comes just as the party welcomes back four rebellious MPs from suspension, amplifying concerns about internal discord.
The i Paper reports that a faction of Labour parliamentarians, particularly from the new intake, is allegedly discussing the logistics of a coup against Starmer. This unrest follows a troubling decline in the party’s poll ratings and fears that the Government will violate Labour’s core promise not to raise income tax.
In a related development, Labour has reinstated the whip to Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff, Brian Leishman, and Rachael Maskell, all of whom were suspended in July for opposing government welfare reforms. Maskell, representing York Central, expressed her commitment to Labour values, stating, “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.”
Earlier today, at the Cop30 climate summit in Brazil, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces mounting challenges upon his return. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has publicly apologized after a probe revealed she “unknowingly” breached governance codes by failing to disclose a £2,900 donation linked to her appointment of a new football watchdog chair.
The Conservative Party is now calling for greater scrutiny of Starmer, pointing to his own receipt of donations from David Kogan, raising ethical concerns. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy is under fire for his handling of the recent wrongful release of a prisoner from HMP Wandsworth. The prisoner, Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, a 24-year-old Algerian sex offender, was returned to custody Friday, but Lammy’s failure to address the issue during Prime Minister’s Questions has drawn criticism.
As speculation builds, Lucy Powell, Labour’s new deputy leader, is urging the Government not to break their commitment against raising taxes ahead of the crucial November 26 Budget. This follows rumors that Chancellor Rachel Reeves might propose an increase in income tax, which Powell warns could severely undermine “trust in politics.” The Chancellor is also reportedly planning to limit tax-free pension contributions to £2,000 annually.
The situation is developing rapidly, and all eyes are on the Labour Party as internal conflicts may reshape its future. What will happen next in this political drama? Stay tuned for updates.
