Sir Keir Starmer is facing the most serious challenge of his leadership as more than 150 MPs prepare to oppose the government’s proposed welfare reforms, including substantial cuts to personal independence payments (PIP).
Tensions are rising within the Labour ranks, with growing discontent reported among parliamentary private secretaries and even government ministers. Several sources have indicated that resignations could follow if the proposed reforms are not scaled back.
The changes, set to impact around 800,000 people receiving PIP, have sparked widespread concern across the party.
More than 100 MPs, primarily from Labour’s 2024 intake, have reportedly signed a letter to the chief whip stating they cannot support the reforms in their current form. A separate letter, backed by approximately 40 MPs, was sent directly to Sir Keir days earlier, warning against the full implementation of the changes.
According to reports, at least five PPSs are prepared to step down if the welfare cuts move forward unchanged. While such a revolt may not be enough to block the reforms entirely, it would significantly damage the prime minister’s authority and reflect deeper unrest about the party’s direction.
This internal crisis follows a major U-turn earlier in the week over the government’s controversial plans to reduce winter fuel payments. Initially designed to strip the benefit from up to 10 million pensioners, the policy was largely blamed for Labour’s poor performance in the recent local elections, where Reform UK made major gains across England.
In a response to public and internal pressure, the prime minister indicated a willingness to revisit the policy in the future, but many MPs remain unsatisfied. There has been frustration over the lack of detail provided by Downing Street, with no clear timeline or clarity on which groups will be affected this winter.
Compounding matters, Labour has delayed its flagship strategy to reduce child poverty, pushing back a decision on scrapping the widely criticised two-child benefit cap until the autumn. Ministers had previously suggested this policy would be reviewed shortly after taking office to avoid further unrest among backbench MPs.
The overall welfare reform package aims to cut the number of working-age people claiming sickness benefits, a figure that increased during the pandemic and has stayed high. Government projections estimate the changes could save £5 billion annually by the end of the decade. However, critics warn that the cuts could drive thousands of vulnerable and disabled people into poverty.
Despite the backlash, the prime minister’s office has confirmed its intention to move forward with the full package of reforms. Downing Street argues that the welfare system is no longer functioning effectively and that substantial reform is essential to ensure long-term sustainability.
A government spokesperson defended the changes, stating that the goal is to support people nationwide by addressing poverty and helping individuals into stable, well-paid employment. The statement highlighted recent steps taken under the Plan for Change, including increasing the national living wage, uprating benefits, and introducing a fairer repayment rate for households on universal credit.
The coming weeks are expected to test the unity of the Labour Party, with pressure mounting on Starmer to respond to growing opposition from within his own ranks. The outcome could have long-term implications for both the party’s policy direction and public trust in its leadership.
