Keir Starmer hit by frontbench resignation as Labour rebels plot to defeat PM over £5bn benefits cut

Starmer is bracing for the biggest revolt of his premiership over his decision to strip thousands of pounds from 1.2 million disabled Britons despite the UK's benefits spend facing a raw increase of £8billion by 2030.

Foxcroft, who joins ex-Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, former City Minister Tuliq Siddiq and ex-International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds in quitting from roles in Starmer's Government, stressed her resignation came with a "heavy heart".

In her resignation letter, the Lewisham North MP wrote: "I absolutely understand the need to address the ever-increasing welfare bill in these difficult economic times, but I have always believed this could and should be done by supporting more disabled people into work.

"I do not believe that cuts to personal independence payment (PIP) and the health element of Universal Credit should be part of the solution.

"I have wrestled with whether I should resign or remain in the Government and fight for change from within.

"Sadly, it now seems that we are not going to get the changes I desperately wanted to see.

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"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."

Government Whips have ramped up efforts to dissuade Labour MPs from rebelling against the welfare cuts.

No10 is now warning wavering Labour MPs that defying Starmer's orders on July 1 would put them on the same side as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

However, rebels have urged the Prime Minister to amend plans by conducting a full impact assessment and changing the new eligibility requirement for the daily living component of Personal Independent Payments.

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Unveiling the legislation on Wednesday, Work & Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: "Our social security system is at a crossroads.

"Unless we reform it, more people will be denied opportunities, and it may not be there for those who need it.

"This legislation represents a new social contract and marks the moment we take the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity.

"This will give people peace of mind, while also fixing our broken social security system so it supports those who can work to do so while protecting those who cannot - putting welfare spending on a more sustainable path to unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change."

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner also refused to rule out punishing Labour MPs who defy Starmer's orders.

Starmer responded with fury last year when seven Labour MPs revolted to support an SNP amendment to scrap the two-child benefit cap.

All seven MPs were stripped of the Labour Party whip, with ex-Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell still awaiting his return to the parliamentary Labour Party.

Responding to a question from SNP MP Pete Wishart about whether the Prime Minister intended to strip the whip from Labour rebels, Rayner said: “We’re absolutely committed to ending child poverty.

"We’ve already introduced free school meals. We’re already supporting families.

"We’ve given a living wage rise to over millions of workers that need it. We’re getting on the job."

However, at least 42 Labour MPs have publicly said that they will not support Kendall's bill.

As many as 170 Labour MPs are also believed to have signed private letters to whips expressing significant concern about the changes.