Latest news with #BrianLeishman
Times
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Times
Meet Brian Leishman, the leftwinger holding Keir Starmer's feet to the fire
Sir Keir Starmer has been prime minister for less than a year but his government's retreat from its own proposed welfare reforms is the kind of political humiliation rarely visited upon any government so early in its tenure, let alone upon one that won a 174-seat majority at last July's general election. Across Britain, however, newly elected Labour MPs made it clear to the prime minister and Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, that they were not, in their view, sent to Westminster to preside over cuts to welfare spending. The government's decision to limit changes to disability benefits to new claimants — protecting those who currently claim up to £110 a week to assist them with the costs of their physical or mental difficulties — may satisfy some parliamentary rebels but many others remain implacably opposed to any changes in welfare eligibility. 'The concessions have turned an absolute horrific policy into an awful policy,' said Brian Leishman, the left-wing firebrand elected as the Labour MP for Alloa & Grangemouth last year. 'The government has got to pull it, and get around the table with charities and others and devise a proper welfare system designed for people who need it.' 'There is no way I will be voting for the sort of two-tier welfare system this will create', he said. Leishman overturned an SNP majority of more than 12,000 votes as Labour swept to victory north of the border, taking 36 seats from the SNP. Although Labour had been confident the party could take a swathe of central belt seats from the nationalists, Alloa & Grangemouth was considered the kind of seat that could fall to Starmer's party only in exceptional circumstances. As it transpired, however, the election was precisely that kind of occasion and Leishman took the seat with a swing of 29.3 per cent. His victory, party insiders concede, was 'not expected'. Since entering the Commons Leishamn has emerged as the highest-profile figure within a reanimated and reinvigorated Scottish left. 'Brian has been a brilliant MP. He has fought tirelessly for his constituents, stood up for real Labour values and be unafraid to oppose the worst aspects of the Starmer regime. He is exactly the type of campaigning MP people want to see,' Neil Findlay, the former Labour MSP, said. Leishman, who is the only new Labour MP from Scotland to have joined the left-wing Scottish Campaign for Socialism group, also enjoyed the support of Richard Leonard, the former leader of the Scottish Labour Party. Campaigning for Leishman last year Leonard pointedly asked voters to 'ensure that the next Labour government has a Scottish socialist among its ranks, fighting for the many not the few'. The rebuke to Starmer was overt rather than merely implied. While most newly elected MPs struggle to make a name for themselves, the combination of Leishman's left-wing credentials and the fate of the Grangemouth oil refinery in his constituency gave him the kind of platform few of his Scottish colleagues — most of whom continue to labour in some measure of obscurity — enjoyed. 'There could have been many more Labour MPs like Brian in parliament had they not been blocked from being selected by the people, or more accurately person, who controls Labour selections in Scotland,' Findlay said. MPs who win surprising victories often surprise party managers. 'The only thing we knew about him was he was a golfer,' said one Westminster colleague referring to Leishman's previous career as a golf professional. 'Was it a surprise that he turned out to be a firebrand leftie? Yes it was. He's not disliked, and has a tendency to pick up fashionable causes, even some he appears to have little background in.' Another Scottish Labour MP notes that Leishman's higher-than-typical profile has irked many of his colleagues. 'He was the first Scottish Labour MP outside of the ministers to get a profile, and not in a good way so he's not massively popular in the Scottish Labour group.' Leishman, who says his ideal dinner party guests would be Tony Benn and Jack Nicklaus, is unabashed. 'I didn't join the Labour Party to impoverish people.' Although a dozen Scottish Labour backbenchers signalled their opposition to the planned welfare reform that would have trimmed £5 billion from a disability bill that is expected to be more than £60 billion a year by the end of the decade, few have been as public or forthright in their criticisms as Leishman. That has allowed him to become a champion of the Labour left and a figure of considerable suspicion for the party's right wing and those still loyal to the prime minister. The impact of the welfare rebellion on next year's Scottish parliament elections is not yet easily estimated. Anas Sarwar, Labour Scottish leader, insists that 'everyone' favours some of the welfare reform, pointing to the fact that disability claims are higher in Scotland than England. Yet the SNP senses the opportunity to embarrass Labour on this issue, insisting there will be no change to looser, more generous, eligibility criteria for disability payments in Scotland. This remains the case despite the fact that Scottish Fiscal Commission indicated this week that ministers face a 'really challenging period', with spending on social security forecast to grow from just over £6.1 billion in 2024-25 to more than £9.4 billion by 2030-31. Increased spending on welfare and the NHS inevitably means less money will be available for other causes and priorities. For Leishman and his newly emboldened backbench allies, however, rebellion is a taste that once acquired may easily become a habit. Starmer's concessions to his backbenchers are, for many, both too little too late and a taste of controversies to come.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Keir Starmer confirms he will have 'conversation' with Labour rebels over benefit cuts
The Prime Minister said he wants his welfare reforms to be "implemented with Labour values of fairness". Keir Starmer has confirmed he will have a "conversation" with Labour rebels over benefit cuts. The Prime Minister said he wants his welfare reforms to be "implemented with Labour values of fairness". It comes as more than 120 Labour MPs - 12 of them Scottish - have signed an amendment against Labour's plans to slash Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit (UC). They will get a chance to vote on the bill and amendment on Tuesday. Starmer told the Commons on Thursday morning: 'On social security, I recognise there is a consensus across the House on the urgent need for reform of our welfare system, because the British people deserve protection and dignity when they are unable to work and supported to work when they can. 'At the moment, they are failed every single day by the broken system created by the Conservatives, which achieves neither. 'I know colleagues across the House are eager to start fixing that, and so am I, and that all colleagues want to get this right, and so do I. 'We want to see reform implemented with Labour values of fairness. That conversation will continue in the coming days, so we can begin making change together on Tuesday.' The amendment supported by the rebels would give them an opportunity to reject the welfare reform bill. The wording backs the 'need for the reform of the social security system' but criticises the lack of a 'formal consultation' with disabled people and warns of the impact on poverty levels. They also hit out at their own Government for not publishing an 'assessment of the impact of these reforms on health or care needs'. The Scottish Labour sceptics are Richard Baker, Scott Arthur, Euan Stainbank, Brian Leishman, Lilian Jones, Tracy Gilbert, Elaine Stewart, Kirsteen Sullivan and Patricia Ferguson. Maureen Burke, Martin Rhodes and Irene Campbell have since added their names. The Record understands there are other MPs who have not signed the amendment who may not back the cuts in a vote next week. There are 11 Scottish MPs in the UK Government - plus two other MPs who are 'mission champions' - who would almost definitely have to resign from their roles to rebel. Labour MP Brian Leishman said on Thursday morning that concessions are "not enough". But other Scottish Labour MPs have said they are waiting for detail of the Government's concessions.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Making concessions on benefit cuts 'not enough', says Scots Labour MP
Brian Leishman said "the real Labour thing to do" is "to create a welfare system that looks after people". Concessions on the UK Government's benefit cuts are "not enough" and the bill should be dropped, a Scottish Labour MP has said. Brian Leishman said "the real Labour thing to do" is "to create a welfare system that looks after people". It comes as reports suggested Prime Minister Keir Starmer is considering watering down his welfare reforms because of a major rebellion. This could include changing the points needed to get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or backtracking on the measures affecting Universal Credit (UC). amendment which would bring down the cuts it goes to a vote on Tuesday. Alloa and Grangemouth MP Leishman said: "Concessions being made on the UC and PIP Bill is not enough because disabled people will still become poorer. "The government should withdraw the Bill and work with organisations and charities to create a welfare system that looks after people. " That's the real Labour thing to do." The bill would make it harder for disabled people with less severe conditions to claim personal independence payment (Pip), with forecasts predicting the overall changes will plunge 50,000 children into poverty. The amendment supported by the rebels would give them an opportunity to reject the welfare reform bill. The wording backs the 'need for the reform of the social security system' but criticises the lack of a 'formal consultation' with disabled people and warns of the impact on poverty levels. They also hit out at their own Government for not publishing an 'assessment of the impact of these reforms on health or care needs'. The Scottish Labour sceptics are Richard Baker, Scott Arthur, Euan Stainbank, Brian Leishman, Lilian Jones, Tracy Gilbert, Elaine Stewart, Kirsteen Sullivan and Ferguson. Maureen Burke, Martin Rhodes and Irene Campbell have since added their names. The Record understands there are other MPs who have not signed the amendment who may not back the cuts in a vote next week. There are 11 Scottish MPs in the UK Government - plus two other MPs who are 'mission champions' - who would almost definitely have to resign from their roles to rebel.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Scots Labour MP urges colleagues to vote against DWP benefit cuts next week
Brian Leishman said asked his fellow Labour MPs "to do the right thing and stop the proposed changes to our welfare system." A Scottish Labour MP has urged his colleagues to vote against the UK Government's benefit cuts next week. Brian Leishman asked his fellow Labour MPs "to do the right thing and stop the proposed changes to our welfare system." He warned the "vote will define careers." The UK Government's plans to tighten eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit will go to the House of Commons next week. Alloa and Grangemouth MP Leishman said: "The welfare reforms the government are proposing will impoverish some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Of that there is no doubt. "I joined Labour because I believe the party is the way to achieving an equal, fair and socially just country that looks after the most disadvantaged people. "Goodness knows that after 14 years of austerity and politics that was designed to make people poorer and has ripped the heart out of communities that the country needs to be rebuilt. "But it has to be rebuilt in a way that is caring and compassionate and shaped by real Labour Party values. "Labour MPs have a choice to make. Do they believe that the most vulnerable people should be looked after, or not? That's what the vote on these welfare reforms ultimately boils down to. This vote will define careers and this Labour government. "I urge Labour MPs to do the right thing and stop the proposed changes to our welfare system. Let's build the country we need and work with disability charities and organisations that have frontline experience of the struggle faced by disabled people so we then create a welfare system that truly looks after people." The UK Government wants to change who is eligible for PIP so only the most severely disabled can make claims. Ministers also want to cut the sickness related element of universal credit and delay access to it, so only those aged 22 and over can claim it. Most working Scots on disability benefit receive the devolved Adult Disability Payment (ADP), but SNP Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville confirmed that ADP will not be cut. She did not explain where the money would come from, even though the UK cuts will likely mean the Scottish Government receives less money A UK Government source said: "Our reforms will protect the most vulnerable, help those who can work into good, secure jobs and ensure the safety net is there in the future for those who need it most."
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Inside the DWP benefit reforms as Labour publishes cuts to PIP and Universal Credit
The government's contentious reforms of the welfare system are poised to make their initial appearance in Parliament today. Set for introduction in the House of Commons, the Welfare Reform Bill will be debated by MPs who will finally get the opportunity to dissect how Labour plans to cut back on the DWP's ballooning £275 billion budget. Central to the sweeping changes is a revision of the criteria for England's main disability allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), that could see tighter control on eligibility rules. Measures are proposed to reduce and defer the illness-related component of Universal Credit (UC), reserving claims to those aged 22 and above. This suite of changes, aimed at moving claimants from sickness benefits back into employment, could help the Government make an estimated annual saving of £5 billion. READ MORE: Major energy company with 800,000 customers to hand out £150 payments after 'error' READ MORE: DWP confirms start date for 'monitoring' bank accounts to tackle benefit fraud However, imminent clashes loom within the Commons, with numerous Labour backbench MPs previously condemning the overhaul as "impossible to support". Labour MP Brian Leishman called the reforms "awful", saying: I'll vote against these awful welfare reforms. A Labour government should lift people out of poverty, not put people into it. If you agree, then please write to your MP and tell them that." As the proposal begins its journey through Parliament, the latest figures have highlighted that over 3.7 million individuals in England and Wales now claim PIP - with teens and young adults increasingly relying on the benefit for financial support. Stats released by the Department for Work and Pensions this Tuesday revealed a peak figure of 3.74 million PIP claimants across England and Wales as of April, up from 3.69 million in January and marking a significant surge from 3.54 million the previous year. Figures starting from January 2019 reveal there were 2.05 million Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants, with the benefit designed to support those with additional living costs due to long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities. The data has shown an increase in the proportion of teenagers and young adults receiving PIP, with 16.5 per cent of claimants being between the ages of 16 and 19 as of April this year, a rise from 14.6 per cent since April 2019. Additionally, the 30-44 age bracket has seen growth, while the number of claimants aged 45-59 has decreased. Those between 60 and 74 years old have also seen a slight increase in claimant numbers, up from 29.3 per cent to 30.8 per cent. Recent reports state that Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has conceded to embed "non-negotiable" safeguards into upcoming legislation. These safeguards will ensure recipients who fail to meet new PIP criteria will still receive payments for 13 weeks after disqualification, an extension from the current four-week period. This measure is understood to be an attempt to quell potential uprisings from Labour MPs who are critical of the broader reforms; however, one MP has minimised the significance of these concessions by labelling them as "not very much really". Downing Street insisted it was "crucial to say we are committed to the reforms that we've set out". A spokesperson from Number 10 said: "You've heard that from the Prime Minister, the Chancellor, the Work and Pensions Secretary, on the principles behind this and the urgent need for this. "You have the statistics, they show we have the highest level of working age inactivity due to ill health in Western Europe. We're the only major economy whose employment rate hasn't recovered since the pandemic." PIP will remain "an important non-means-tested benefit for disabled people and people with long-term health conditions, regardless of whether they are in or out of work", he said. However, he noted that the Government aims to create a "system that is fairer" through its proposed reforms. It is believed that changes to Pip could reduce benefits for approximately 800,000 individuals. Ms Kendall had previously remarked that there are 1,000 new Pip awards every day – "the equivalent of adding a city the size of Leicester every single year".
