Government could have an unlikely ally in welfare cuts vote

• The Prime Minister's proposed welfare reforms, which aim to save £5bn annually by reducing personal independence payments, are facing a significant rebellion from more than 100 Labour MPs.
• The Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch, has offered her party's support to pass the reforms, meaning the Prime Minister would rely on opposition votes against his own party's rebellion.
• Critics within Labour and trade unions have warned that it would be shameful for the Prime Minister to rely on Tory votes to pass the benefit cuts.
• Despite the widespread dissent, including potential rebellion from 12 ministers, the Prime Minister has vowed to press ahead with the reforms, arguing the current welfare system is broken and unsustainable.
• Labour MPs rebelling against the bill are reportedly undeterred by threats of losing the whip or deselection, fearing deselection by their constituents more if they support the cuts.

IN FULL

Kemi Badenoch offers to rescue Starmer’s welfare reforms as Labour rebellion grows