Here’s how Gedling borough’s MPs voted on welfare reform

Proposals to reform the welfare system have passed their first Commons hurdle, with MPs voting in favour of the bill after Keir Starmer was forced into a major U-turn. 

In a late climbdown just before MPs prepared to vote, the Government scrapped plans to restrict eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip), with any changes now only coming after a review of the benefit.

It means it will now progress through Parliament but with a key clause taken out. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was forced to abandon a key plank of his welfare reform agenda to get the legislation through its first Commons test.

The decision to remove the Pip changes from the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill was announced just 90 minutes before MPs voted on Tuesday night. Despite the late concession, there were 49 Labour rebels, the largest revolt so far of Sir Keir’s premiership.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall insisted the Labour Party was “100%” behind the Prime Minister, but acknowledged there were “lessons to be learned” after the rebellion. She also appeared to express regret over the handling of the issue, saying: “I wish we had got to this point in a different way.”

How did Gedling borough’s two Labour MPs vote? 

Michael Payne – Yes
Michelle Welsh – Yes

Gedling MP Michael Payne posted on Facebook following the vote.

He said: “Reform is essential. Not to cut support, but to make it fairer, more focused, and more effective. Without that, public trust in the whole system will continue to erode.

“That’s why I, and other MPs, pushed hard for stronger safeguards and real investment – and won key concessions to make sure change comes with compassion.