In a crucial moment for Keir Starmer's premiership, Angela Rayner communicated that Labour rebels were prepared to oppose the government’s welfare bill due to insufficient concessions. In response, Starmer agreed to shelve cuts to personal independence payments and require future changes to undergo a review with disability groups. This situation arose after an initial bullish confidence from ministers, but highlighted ongoing dissatisfaction and potential risks to Starmer's leadership as internal party divisions became evident just before a key vote.
Angela Rayner conveyed an urgent message to Downing Street. She had spent the day in intense talks with Labour rebels, concluding that the concessions offered had failed.
The prime minister agreed to Rayner's proposal to make the biggest concession available to the government without withdrawing the bill altogether, shelving planned cuts to personal independence payments.
Starmer's leadership faced a critical test when dozens of MPs plotted to vote against the government, highlighting significant dissatisfaction within the ranks.
Ministers began the week in bullish mood, but the U-turns underlined how badly damaged Starmer has been by his first year in power.
Collection
[
|
...
]