Politics

Chaos in Labour as Frontbencher Quits Live on Air Over Welfare Cuts Bombshell

Published on June 20, 2025

Patrick Christys had barely started laying out the evening’s agenda on GB News when he abruptly paused to deliver a breaking update that took viewers by surprise. “Breaking tonight. In fact, breaking a few minutes ago,” he said, before revealing that a Labour frontbencher had just resigned over the Prime Minister’s controversial welfare plans.

It was Vicky Foxcroft, a government whip, who stepped down after voicing her strong opposition to the proposed cuts to disability benefits. Her resignation has thrown fresh light on growing unease within Labour over how the leadership is handling sensitive welfare issues.

Foxcroft made her stance clear, saying she couldn’t support the suggested reductions to personal independence payment (PIP) and the health element of Universal Credit. Her departure came with a heartfelt resignation letter where she expressed her disappointment at the direction things were heading, reported the Express.

“I absolutely understand the need to address the ever-increasing welfare bill in these difficult economic times,” she wrote, acknowledging the financial pressures facing the country. But she stressed that cuts weren’t the answer, arguing that the focus should be on helping disabled people into work instead of reducing support.

“But I have always believed this could and should be done by supporting more disabled people into work,” she said, making it clear that her approach was about empowerment, not financial stripping.

What made her resignation particularly significant was the role she played as a whip. It would have been her job to encourage other Labour MPs to back the reforms and be present for the vote. But instead, she chose to step away, saying she couldn’t, in good conscience, support such policies.

“I do not believe that cuts to personal independence payment and the health element of Universal Credit should be part of the solution,” she said. That line, echoing what many within the party may be thinking but haven’t yet said aloud, is likely to stir more internal conversations.

Foxcroft admitted it hadn’t been an easy decision. “I have wrestled with whether I should resign or remain in the Government and fight for change from within,” she wrote. “Sadly it now seems that we are not going to get the changes I desperately wanted to see.”

Ultimately, her conscience won out. “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.”

Her move could signal the start of a wider fracture within Labour, particularly among MPs uncomfortable with what some are calling a sharp rightward shift on welfare. As the general election looms and pressure builds on all sides, this latest resignation could be the first sign that not everyone is willing to toe the line.

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