Brian Leishman MP explains why we should all support theRestore Labour Democracy petition.
In the summer of 2025, Labour proposed cuts to disability benefits during the Universal Credit and PIP Bill. From a leadership prepared to declare austerity was over, the reality of taking money on those already living in difficulty and on low income was staggering.
I opposed these changes and voted against them, believing firmly that no one should be subjected to income reductions that would directly harm vulnerable families. Despite repeated efforts to engage the leadership in dialogue and highlight the consequences, my concerns were ignored. Instead of reasoned discussion, I faced disciplinary action for defending working-class constituents. It was only through the work of Party members, disabled people’s groups and public pressure that MPs like myself were able to force some necessary changes that reflected our Labour values.
This is part of a broader issue within the Party. When the leadership moves away from those Labour values, it shuts down those who continue to fight for them. Councillors who have faithfully served their communities have been deselected. MPs challenging policy on welfare and living standards have seen the whip withdrawn. Party members raising principled objections have been sidelined or dismissed. While the forms of punishment vary, the effect is consistent: narrowing participation, silencing voices, and undermining internal democracy.
The imposition of a narrow, centralised agenda has clear political costs. Public trust is fragile, polling is unstable, and Reform is exploiting the perception that Labour is disconnected from ordinary people. Silencing dissent does not restore confidence — it deepens alienation and disengagement. Labour cannot credibly present itself as the party of fairness while marginalising its own representatives.
Restoring confidence requires reconnecting with members and empowering local Parties. MPs defending constituents’ living standards should be supported, not penalised. Respect for local decision-making and principled debate strengthens the party, allowing engagement with communities to be genuine and grounded in shared experience.
This moment demands decisive action. Rebuilding trust, protecting internal democracy, and respecting members’ voices are essential steps toward a stronger, more credible Labour. I urge MPs, councillors, activists, and trade unions to join us in reaffirming the Party’s commitment to fairness, participation and integrity, and back the Restore Labour Democracy petition.
Brian Leishman is Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth.
A coalition of trade union leaders, including Unison and Unite, over 25 Labour MPs and Labour Party organisations have launched the Restore Labour Democracy petition. The full text is below. Sign the petition here.
Restore Labour Democracy
Statement and Signatories at the launch
We are deeply concerned by the undermining of democracy and the rights of members within the Labour Party.
Denying local members in Gorton and Denton the right to choose their candidate looks like part of a pattern, alongside the widespread barring of hard-working councillors and the withdrawal of the whip from MPs standing up for their constituents.
It’s increasingly clear that a narrow, factional agenda is being imposed upon the Party and that this is increasingly unpopular with the public.
This approach is wrong in principle and damaging in practice. When the Labour Party sidelines its members, it weakens Labour’s roots in our communities, alienates voters, and undermines Labour’s ability to win both people’s trust and elections.
We will work together to strengthen our democracy and reverse this damaging behaviour.
We call on all those in the Parliamentary Labour Party, affiliated trade unions, and the wider Party membership who value and respect the vitally important role played by Labour Party and trade union members to join us in these efforts.
SIGNED
Trade Union Leaders Including:
• Dave Calfe, ASLEF General Secretary
• Andrea Egan, Unison General Secretary
• Sharon Graham, Unite General Secretary
• Dave Ward, CWU General Secretary
• Steve Wright, FBU General Secretary
Labour Organisations Including:
• Campaign for Labour Party Democracy
• Momentum
• Labour Muslim Network
• Labour Assembly Against Austerity
Labour MPs including:
- Diane Abbott MP
- Tahir Ali MP
- Lorraine Beavers MP
- Apsana Begum MP
- Olivia Blake MP
- Richard Burgon MP
- Ian Byrne MP
- Neil Duncan-Jordan MP
- Cat Eccles MP
- Mary Kelly Foy MP
- Imran Hussain MP
- Kim Johnson MP
- Ian Lavery MP
- Brian Leishman MP
- Clive Lewis MP
- Rebecca Long-Bailey MP
- Rachael Maskell MP
- Andy McDonald MP
- John McDonnell MP
- Grahame Morris MP
- Simon Opher MP
- Kate Osborne MP
- Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP
- Jon Trickett MP
- Karl Turner MP
- Nadia Whittome MP
- Steve Witherden MP
Labour Hub 