Three Labour MPs suspended for breaches of party discipline

Sir Keir Starmer has suspended at least three MPs for repeated breaches of party discipline, Sky News understands.

Brian Leishman, Chris Hinchliff and Neil Duncan-Jordan have lost the whip, meaning they are no longer part of Labour's parliamentary party and will sit as independent MPs.

A fourth MP, Rachel Maskell, is currently in meetings with paty whips.

All four had voted against the government's welfare reforms earlier this month. However, it's understood this isn't the only reason behind the decision.

Over 100 MPs had initially rebelled against the plan to cut personal independent payments (pip). Ultimately 47 voted against the bill's third reading, after it was watered down significantly in the face of backlash.

The three suspended MPs were all newly elected in 2024.

Mr Hinchliff, for North East Hertfordshire, told local media in June that he was willing to lose the whip over the welfare reforms.

He also proposed a series of amendments to the flagship planning and infrastructure criticising the government's approach.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the latest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.