Labour Leader Faces Internal Rebellion
Sir Keir Starmer is confronting a significant internal challenge as Labour MPs are reportedly plotting to remove him from leadership, despite his recent efforts to reconcile with rebellious backbenchers. This development comes during a period of particularly poor poll ratings for the party and growing discontent over potential manifesto pledge breaches.
Rebel MPs Return Amid Growing Unrest
Four Labour MPs who had been suspended for repeatedly defying the government have now been welcomed back into the Parliamentary Labour Party. Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff, Brian Leishman and Rachael Maskell had their whips restored following discussions with chief whip Jonathan Reynolds on Friday, November 8, 2025.
Rachael Maskell, expressing her commitment to Labour values, stated: 'I am Labour to the core and will always stand up for Labour values.' She added her gratitude for the restoration of the whip, thanking supporters who had shown kindness during her suspension.
Budget Concerns Fuel Discontent
The rebellion gains momentum from widespread anxiety among Labour MPs that the government may break its manifesto promise not to raise income tax in the upcoming Budget scheduled for later this month. This potential U-turn has caused significant despair within party ranks, compounding existing worries about Labour's poor performance in recent polls.
Lucy Powell, the newly elected Labour deputy leader, has publicly urged the government against raising taxes in the coming Budget. She warned that breaking Labour's manifesto pledge not to increase income tax, national insurance or VAT could severely damage 'trust in politics'.
According to reports, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering limiting tax-free pension contributions. The Times revealed plans to cap the amount of salary that can be sacrificed for extra pension contributions before national insurance contributions are incurred to £2,000 per year.
Wider Challenges for Starmer's Government
The prime minister returns from the COP30 climate summit in Brazil to face multiple crises beyond the internal party rebellion. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has apologised after an investigation found she 'unknowingly' breached the governance code on public appointments by failing to declare £2,900 in donations from her chosen candidate to chair the new football watchdog.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy faces criticism for his handling of the mistaken release of a prisoner from HMP Wandsworth. The prisoner, 24-year-old Algerian sex offender Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, was returned to custody on Friday, but Lammy has been condemned for not addressing the error during Prime Minister's Questions despite prior briefing.
The Conservative Party is now calling for Sir Keir to face additional scrutiny from the Government's ethics adviser regarding donations he received from David Kogan, adding to the mounting pressures on the Labour leader.
This convergence of internal dissent, policy concerns and ministerial controversies presents one of the most significant challenges to Starmer's leadership since taking office, with the November 26 Budget looming as a critical test of his authority.
