Britain31 March, 20261 min read
Labour Suspends Karl Turner Over Jury Trial Rebellion and Internal Criticism
Karl Turner had Labour whip suspended after criticising Starmer and No 10, especially jury-trial reforms. He remains Hull East MP and will sit as an independent.
Turner Suspended
Labour suspended Karl Turner after he became one of the party's most outspoken critics. Turner said he had not been formally notified before the media reported it. The decision was based on a pattern of uncollegiate behaviour rather than policy criticism.
Jury Trial Rebellion
Turner was a leading figure in resistance to jury trial reforms. He abstained on the bill's second reading. He called the reforms unworkable, unjust, unpopular and unnecessary.
McSweeney Phone Theft
Turner questioned the circumstances of McSweeney's phone theft. He later acknowledged McSweeney had reported it to the police. Turner had previously labelled McSweeney a lying b*****d.
Internal Party Friction
Some Labour MPs were unhappy with an interview Turner gave to Jody McIntyre. Turner claimed he wasn't fully aware of McIntyre. The whips had previously emailed him about his behaviour.