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Backbench rebellion over welfare changes illustrates the limits of a PM's power.
More than 120 Labour MPs signed an amendment to The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill calling for it to be paused indefinitely over concerns about the impact on disabled people. MPs were particularly concerned that the cuts, which were due to save £5bn, would make it too difficult to claim Pip.
Pip is paid to people in England and Wales who have difficulty completing everyday tasks or getting around as a result of a long-term physical or mental health condition. It is not means-tested and is available to people who are working.
In the end the government won a vote on its controversial, watered-down welfare bill - but faced its biggest backbench rebellion after one year in office. The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill passed by 335 votes to 260. A total of 49 Labour MPs rebelled against their own government.
It is unlikely that the bill, in its final form, will make any significant savings, after a series of government concessions. Prime Minister Keir Starmer was forced to abandon a key plank of his welfare reform package in the face of an even bigger Labour rebellion, which would have led to a Commons defeat. The Government shelved plans to restrict eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip) and any changes will now only come after a review of the benefit.
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