As whispers of rebellion echo through the tearooms of SW1 following the announcement of new welfare cuts, host Patrick Baker delves into historical backbench revolts, exploring how disobedient MPs conspire against their own parties.
Insights from veteran politicians
Veteran Conservative MP David Davis shares his experience of how he and fellow rebels inadvertently dismantled David Cameron’s plans to conduct airstrikes in Syria. In his reflections, Davis offers invaluable advice on how to navigate confrontational government enforcers, specifically the chief whips who wield significant influence over party discipline.
The dynamics of rebellion and party loyalty
Christopher Howarth, a discreet member of the European Research Group, played a pivotal role in undermining Theresa May’s EU deal during the tumultuous Brexit negotiations. He recounts his strategy to counter the sophisticated maneuvers of a Downing Street operation that was intent on suppressing dissent. Howarth also reveals how he identified a loophole in Tory regulations that ultimately facilitated May’s resignation.
Meanwhile, POLITICO’s senior political correspondent Annabelle Dickson has been assessing the sentiments of disgruntled Labour MPs who are increasingly frustrated with their party’s trajectory. One of these MPs, Brian Leishman, representing Alloa and Grangemouth, openly expresses his outrage over the cuts to benefits and indicates his intention to rebel during the upcoming Commons vote.
However, potential rebels should proceed with caution. Hilary Armstrong, the former chief whip under Tony Blair, recalls her own tactics for managing unruly MPs, which included the threat of being relegated to obscure infrastructure committees unless they adhered to party lines. Armstrong advocates for a more gentle approach in dealing with dissenters, emphasizing that Blair affectionately referred to rebellious MPs as his “little darlings.”
John McTernan, Blair’s former political secretary, elaborates on the implications of a large influx of new Labour MPs, suggesting that they may be more inclined toward rebellion. He argues that the current discord within the party raises significant concerns about its future direction.
“The best way to deal with rebels is a ‘softly, softly’ approach,” says Armstrong.