War over Welfare Cuts: The Power of the Labour Backbencher

“We have to get the reforms through, and I have been clear about that from start to finish”. Despite the Prime Minister’s recent comments on the Government’s commitment to cut the benefits bill by £5 billion, ministers are growing increasingly worried about opposition from their Labour colleagues, and yesterday the Labour Whip Vicky Foxcroft MP resigned over the matter.

MPs are set to vote on a package of measures to cut welfare, which includes making it harder for disabled people with less severe conditions to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP). With 1.1 million people claiming PIP across the UK, there are around 5000 people in every constituency that could lose their support, higher than many of the majorities of Labour MPs in the 2024 intake. In response, more than 100 MPs – many of whom won their seats for the first time in 2024 – have signed a letter to the Chief Whip warning they are not able to support the proposals in the current form

Even with a majority of 165, this is an example of where the Government can face serious issues when a campaign gains momentum. One year on from the General Election, the honeymoon period is now over, and Labour MPs are becoming more and more focused on ensuring that they can champion their constituents’ issues in the coming months and years, particularly those with slim majorities.

This is an important opportunity for organisations looking to influence policy. Campaigns that target a unified group of backbench Labour MPs, and engage with them on key issues affecting their constituents, will be effective in highlighting particular issues to a Government that is looking to reduce the backlash from within its own party.

Organisations looking to engage with Labour MPs will need to focus on issues that unify a significant group of backbenchers and align with a Labour ‘raison d’être’. Luther worked recently with a significant number of Labour MPs for a pharmacy body, through a vital frontline healthcare service used by millions of members of the general public every day. The programme of regular parliamentary and constituency engagement ultimately persuaded the Government to make the largest ever investment into the community pharmacy sector – £800m in additional funding for the next financial year.

Labour MPs with small majorities are likely to soon face a decision between supporting the Government or their constituents. Therefore, for organisations looking to influence policy, tailored and targeted messaging to the right group of Labour MPs will be essential in building up support.

How can we help you?

Luther Pendragon is one of the UK’s most highly-regarded independent communications consultancies. We help clients reach, inform and engage with policymakers and stakeholders in Government, Parliament, the devolved administrations, regulators, and beyond.

If your organisation is looking to shape the political and policymaking landscape, get in touch: publicaffairs@luther.co.uk