Sir Keir Starmer’s Iron Grip: Suspensions Signal Stark Warning for Labour Loyalty

Sir Keir Starmer's strict action against 'usual suspects' signals a clear message to new MPs about his expectation for unwavering allegiance

According to a source who spoke with Sky News, the move to suspend seven backbenchers aims to underscore the expectation that Labour MPs will back the agenda they were elected to promote.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 12

Did Sir Keir Starmer go too far by suspending seven Labour MPs who defied the party line and voted to eliminate the two-child benefit limit?

Certainly not in the eyes of the Labour leader's close advisors. However, a broad range of Labour MPs, not limited to the typically left-leaning ones, were shocked by his reaction.

In a fresh discussion with Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby, Sir Keir described himself as uncompromising. His latest measures certainly prove that.

Would it be considered severe? The amendment proposed by the SNP, which the dissenters supported, was overwhelmingly rejected with a vote count of 363 to 103, resulting in a margin of 260 votes. This was far from a closely contested decision.

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Thus, it could be said that the seven votes opposing the government were insignificant. However, supporters of Starmer assert that this misses the larger issue.

A person in a position of authority informed Sky News that the choice was made "to demonstrate our anticipation that Labour MPs will back the agenda on which we were voted in."

Further Information on Keir Starmer

Starmer Halts Party Roles for Seven MPs Following Revolt on Two-Child Welfare Limit

Minister states the government is unable to pledge the removal of the two-child limit on benefits without clarity on financial provisions.

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In his correspondence with the dissenters, chief whip Sir Alan Campbell stated: "The party acknowledges the entitlement of members to refrain from participating in votes in the House on issues of profound personal belief. However, any potential plans to do so must be communicated to the chief whip promptly and beforehand."

He informed the dissenters, "Cabinet decisions do not grant the right to vote against them."

Clearly, the prime weighishter and Sir Alan expect that the freshly-elected Labour members of parliament recognize from the start of this session that dissent will not be accepted.

Tony Blair, who secured overwhelming Labour victories in 1997 and 2001, was relatively unconcerned about dissent from the left-leaning Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs, unlike Sir Keir.

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During that period, John McDonnell and Jeremy Corbyn, along with Diane Abbott, were prominent figures in the group. The Campaign Group often saw around 30 Labour MPs participating in their frequent rebellions.

Compare this to Sir Keir's decision to remove Mr. Corbyn from the Labour Party. Mr. Corbyn's longstanding ally, John McDonnell, was one of the dissenters on the child benefit issue, and it appears Diane Abbott would have joined him had she not been absent from Westminster due to "personal reasons" preventing her from voting against the limit.

The additional members who faced suspension included Richard Burgon and Zarah Sultana, who hold the positions of secretary and chair of the Campaign Group, respectively, along with Imran Hussain, Apsana Begum, Ian Byrne, and Rebecca Long-Bailey. These individuals are often labeled as the "usual suspects" in current times.

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Diane Abbott expressed her shock and dismay, stating she was "horrified" to learn that her colleagues were suspended for half a year simply for voting in opposition, especially since lifting the cap was allegedly aligned with the party's policy.

In his correspondence with the dissenters, Sir Alan stated that he would evaluate whether to reinstate their party privileges after a six-month suspension, taking into account their behavior during the suspension period and their readiness to adhere to party discipline moving forward.

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The upcoming election is likely five years from now, so if they conduct themselves appropriately, they aim to run as candidates in that election. That is, unless Sir Keir and Sir Alan are inclined to hold onto past grievances, which could certainly be the case!

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It was clear to some likely dissenters what the consequences would be if they opposed the government. Kim Johnson, who proposed her amendment to eliminate the cap, aligned with the government in her vote, while Ian Lavery chose to abstain.

Sir Keir evidently thinks that his stringent measures against the "usual suspects" will act as a deterrent to his large group of recently elected Labour MPs, signaling that he demands complete allegiance and order from them, or else.

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