Keir Starmer suspends Scottish Labour MP after benefit cuts rebellion
Brian Leishman was among more than 100 backbenchers who signed an amendment to welfare reform legislation that would have effectively stopped it going ahead.
When Starmer's Government made major U-turns to appease rebels, Leishman still voted against the reforms.
Leishman has been a serial rebel for a very specific cause. He represents Alloa and Grangemouth and has always been vocal in demanding more action on the closure of Scotland's last oil refinery in his constituency.
He had the Labour whip suspended on Wednesday.
'I am a proud Labour member, and I remain committed to the party,' he told STV News.
'I wish to remain a Labour MP and deliver the positive change many voters are craving.
'I have voted against the Government on issues because I want to effectively represent and be the voice for communities across Alloa and Grangemouth. I firmly believe that it is not my duty as an MP to make people poorer, especially those that have suffered because of austerity and its dire consequences.
'It is the honour of my life to be the MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, and my priority remains representing and fighting for constituents, whether they voted for me or not.'
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