Labour whip restored to farm tax plan rebel MP

An MP who was suspended from Labour for opposing changes to inheritance tax on farmers has had the party whip restored.

Penrith and Solway's Markus Campbell-Savours voted against the proposals in a budget vote in early December.

At the time, the government planned to impose inheritance tax on farmers' business assets after the first £1m, but soon after he lost the whip, it raised the tax-free threshold to £2.5m.

Campbell-Savours, who had to sit as an independent in parliament while suspended, said the move was "about time", adding: "Whilst I am relieved to have the Labour whip back, I am more relieved the government delivered a major U-turn."

"One I know will make a significant difference to many farming families in Cumbria," he continued.

Campbell-Savours said in January it had caused "unnecessary pain" for MPs to be instructed to vote in favour of keeping the agricultural and business property relief levels at the same rate, only for a change to be announced soon after.

In a statement after having the whip restored, he said: "Farmers were told the government wouldn't introduce inheritance tax on farms and I objected to them breaking this promise.

"Having the whip removed is not a pleasant experience and whilst I have no desire to make a habit of it, I will always do what I can to look after our people in Cumbria."

Labour confirmed the whip had been restored.