https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/labours-zombie-economics-must-be-challenged-liverpool

…

Starmer has worked to undo the steps taken by his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn to empower Labour members, reducing conference to its status under Tony Blair, an extended rally for loyalists to cheer the all-powerful leader.

The crackdown on members’ democratic rights was welcomed by right-wing MPs who resented efforts to make them accountable to the grassroots under Corbyn, but now extends to MPs themselves. They are cast from the back benches for defying the whip — unprecedented authoritarianism in a parliamentary party and one that has left it so cowed that just one MP dared to side with the labour movement and the public in voting against winter fuel cuts.

MPs will only find the courage of their convictions when pressure other than that of the whip’s office is brought to bear — pressure from the trade unions which founded their party and from the constituents who can kick them out.

Defeating Reeves on winter fuel payments at conference might not change government policy right away — but it will encourage the gathering revolt we need.

https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/labours-zombie-economics-must-be-challenged-liverpool