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Whiston MP Defies Labour Leader, Votes against Cuts

By on Tuesday, July 21, 2015

marie_rimmer_labour_st_helensMarie Rimmer was among 48 Labour MPs who voted against the Conservative government’s Welfare Reform and Work Bill last night (Monday 20 July).

The MP for St Helens South & Whiston defied acting party leader Harriet Harman to oppose the bill, which would cut tax credits and cap benefits, a move that critics say would force those on low income into poverty.

Rimmer was one of only three Merseyside MPs to vote, after Harman told the parliamentary party not to vote either way.

MP George Howarth, in Rimmer’s neighbouring constituency of Knowsley, abstained.

The bill passed the Commons vote by 308 to 124, and will now go to the House of Lords.

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