Former Conservative MP Miriam Cates has predicted that Labour MPs are unlikely to mount a significant rebellion over proposed welfare cuts.
Speaking to GB News, Cates suggested that while a few Labour MPs might vote against such measures, Sir Keir Starmer faces no real threat to his authority.
She pointed to the Prime Minister's "massive majority" and "serious control over the party" as key factors preventing meaningful opposition from within Labour ranks.
Cates contrasted this with the Conservative Party, noting that Starmer has "a lot more" control than "Conservative whips ever had".
Miriam Cates says it will be 'embarrassing' for Labour MPs to revolt against welfare cuts
PA / GB News
Cates also claimed Starmer would be "quite happy to make an example of two or three and frighten the rest into not revolting."
She acknowledged that Labour MPs would find it "very embarrassing" to vote for benefit cuts after campaigning against such policies.
"Under threat of losing the whip, under threat of being deselected, under threat of all the other kind of things that the whips can do to you, knowing that you can't make a difference," MPs would likely comply, Cates said.
"If they had the numbers to defeat Starmer, then it might be worth it," she explained.
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PABut with Conservative MPs likely to support benefit cuts, even a significant Labour rebellion would be futile.
"If they're going to cut benefits, the Conservatives will vote for that. 50 Labour rebels is not going to make any difference," Cates said.
She suggested that the threat of disciplinary action combined with the impossibility of success would deter most MPs from rebelling.
Cates also suggested that Labour politicians may be changing their stance based on new evidence.
Cates told GB News that there is 'no win for MPs' who revolt
GB News
Cates drew on her own experience as an MP who voted against her party on key issues.
"All you get for that is a lot of anger from your local party and a lot of anger from the whips," she said.
She suggested Labour MPs are aware of their precarious position, noting they have "this enormous majority on a tiny vote share."
"I think all the Labour MPs will be very well aware of the polls, that a lot of them are heading for defeat," Cates concluded.
"There is no win for MPs on this."
