Labour MP Rachel Maskell has vowed to continue speaking out despite being suspended from the parliamentary Labour Party for defying the government on proposed welfare cuts. Maskell, one of four MPs who lost the Labour whip this week, said she will now sit as an independent but remains committed to supporting the Labour government where possible.

Speaking on BBC programmes, the York Central MP made it clear that her decision to rebel was rooted in advocacy for vulnerable constituents, particularly disabled people. “Being suspended does not mean I’ve been silenced,” she said. “If my constituents are telling me something, I want to be able to represent them.”

Maskell had strongly opposed welfare changes she described as “Dickensian cuts,” arguing the reforms would have severely harmed disabled individuals. She played a significant role in the rebellion that ultimately forced the government to water down the legislation, though she rejected the label of “ringleader.”

Labour leadership responded firmly, withdrawing the whip from four MPs and removing three others from unpaid trade envoy roles. Minister Jess Phillips defended the move, stating the suspensions were not just about one vote, but a pattern of “persistent rebellion” and public criticism of the government. “We have to work as a team,” she said.

The suspensions also appear to serve as a warning to newly elected MPs, many of whom won previously unwinnable seats in the 2024 general election. Some loyalists welcomed the disciplinary action, viewing it as a reinforcement of party unity. Others, however, described the move as heavy-handed, particularly given the government’s climbdown on the controversial bill.

Neil Duncan-Jordan, one of the suspended MPs, had organised a letter opposing the welfare proposals. He said he would continue serving his constituents and stood by Labour’s core principles. Brian Leishman and Chris Hinchliff, also suspended, echoed similar sentiments, expressing hope of rejoining the Labour benches in the future.

Despite the backlash, Maskell remains firm in her stance: “I will do all I can to support the Labour government—but I will never stop advocating for those whose voices go unheard.” The incident has exposed simmering tensions within Labour ranks as the party grapples with internal dissent, policy reversals, and the balance between discipline and democracy.