Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft has resigned as a Government whip over proposed cuts to disability benefits.
In a letter informing the Prime Minister of her resignation, the MP for Lewisham North said she understood “the need to address the ever-increasing welfare bill” but did not believe the proposed cuts “should be part of the solution”.
She said: “I have wrestled with whether I should resign or remain in the Government and fight for change from within.
“Sadly it is now (sic) seems that we are not going to get the changes I desperately wanted to see.
“I therefore tender my resignation as I know I will not be able to do the job that is required of me and whip – or indeed vote – for reforms which include cuts to disabled people’s finances.”
Sir Keir Starmer has faced a backlash from some Labour MPs over proposals to reform the welfare system expected to save up to £5 billion a year.
Legislation introduced into Parliament on Wednesday includes a tightening of the criteria for the main disability payment in England, personal independence payment (Pip).
Ministers also want to cut the sickness related element of universal credit (UC), and delay access to it, so only those aged 22 and over can claim it.
The package of reforms is aimed at encouraging more people off sickness benefits and into work, but dozens of Labour rebels said last month that the proposals were “impossible to support”.
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