Starmer’s suspension of ‘rebel’ MPs risks alienating his party in a way he can’t afford

Starmer has removed the whip from four 'persistent rebel' MPs. Flickr/UK Parliament , CC BY-NC-ND

Political parties with commanding parliamentary majorities are often tempted by the promise of assertive leadership and decisive action. Yet, as the events of the last few weeks reveal, a large majority is no substitute for the subtler arts of political management, party cohesion and narrative discipline.

Missteps like suspending four MPs and sacking three trade envoys are not isolated misjudgements...