Four suspended Labour MPs let back into party in shock u-turn

It comes just days after we revealed the party had told them they would not yet be allowed back into the fold.

Rachael Maskell, Neil Duncan Jordan, Brian Leishman and Chris Hinchliff were booted out in July for repeated breaches of party discipline – including voting against the Government’s controversial welfare bill.

But tonight, following discussions with the Chief Whip, and a review of their recent conduct, they have had the Labour whip restored.

Earlier this week we revealed how they were told that they wouldn't be allowed to return just yet.

Read more: Labour refuses to allow 'rebel' MPs back into the party because they 'haven’t been punished enough'

Read more: Keir Starmer suspends four Labour MPs over ‘persistent breaches of discipline’

It's understood all four were told they will now be allowed to return to the Parliamentary party, but not given a specific reason.

Government sources refused to speculate on why there had been a sudden u-turn just days after they were told they had to wait longer to return.

Insiders said the Chief Whip had made the decision this week as part of a "process" of bringing them back on side.

Mr Duncan Jordan told LBC tonight: "I’ve been part of the Labour and trade union movement for 40 years, so I’m pleased to have had the Labour whip restored today.

"I’ll continue working hard for my constituents in Poole and standing up for Labour values - tackling poverty, raising living standards and building a fairer society."

He told LBC earlier this week that he had been left with the impression that the party would not accept them back in this year – meaning they would have had to spend six months in limbo.

It comes after John McDonnell and Apsana Begum were let back into the party in September after a year-long suspension for voting against the government on the two-child benefit cap.

Earlier this week Rachel Reeves repeatedly refused to rule out raising income tax in her upcoming budget, despite major concerns from Labour MPs about breaking the manifesto promises.

And The Times reported that the Chancellor has told the Office for Budget Responsibility that she will raise the basic, higher and additional rates of tax by 2p, combined with a similar reduction in National Insurance rates.

The Chancellor would not tell LBC's Andrew Marr that she could rule out the move, despite Sir Keir Starmer previously insisting the promise wouldn't be broken.

But yesterday the new deputy leader, Lucy Powell, said it was “really important we stand by the promises we were elected on and do what we said we would do”.

Just weeks after being elected, her remarks have ruffled feathers amongst MPs, many of whom are worried about how the public will react.

The Chancellor indicated that Covid, Brexit and austerity had damaged the economy more than they had first thought.

Speaking after the whip was restored, Ms Maskell said: "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.

"I am Labour to the core and will always stand up for Labour values, to be a voice for those in need and to seek justice at every opportunity. I will continue to work hard for my constituents in York as their Labour and Cooperative MP.

"I recognise the heavy responsibility on Labour to repair our public services and economy after 14 disastrous years and above all to lift people out of poverty. With 4.5m children living in poverty tonight, I am focused on ensuring they have the very best start in life."