Four Members of Parliament who were suspended by the Labour Party have been reinstated after discussions with the Chief Whip. The MPs, Brian Leishman, Chris Hinchliff, Neil Duncan-Jordan, and Rachael Maskell, were suspended in July for repeatedly breaching party discipline. They have now had the Labour whip restored following a review of their recent conduct. These MPs were among a group of Labour backbenchers who voted against government plans to cut disability benefits in July, a move that was later abandoned due to significant opposition.
In a statement, Rachael Maskell expressed gratitude for the restoration of the whip and reaffirmed her commitment to Labour values and representing those in need. She emphasized the importance of addressing poverty and improving public services. Brian Leishman, who serves as the Alloa and Grangemouth MP, highlighted the significance of having the whip restored, emphasizing the party’s role in achieving necessary societal changes. Neil Duncan-Jordan, the MP for Poole, expressed his long-standing dedication to the Labour and trade union movement and pledged to continue advocating for Labour values in his role. Chris Hinchliff also welcomed the restoration of the whip, emphasizing his dedication to serving his constituents and advancing Labour’s mission of prioritizing people and nature over profit.