The “Marmite” view of McSweeney reflects a generational divide within the Parliamentary Labour party which one described as a “two tribes” situation. They questioned why Number 10 was blindsided on Monday night when it emerged that more than 100 Labour MPs had signed an amendment aimed at blocking the welfare bill.

Labour party opponents of the UK government’s £5 billion ($6.8 billion) cut to disability benefits have secured enough support to block the plan, setting up a high-stakes test of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership less than a year into office.

Sir Keir Starmer has set up a confrontation with Labour rebels over welfare reforms, saying he will “lead from the front” in fighting for the changes. The Prime Minister confirmed a Commons vote on the plans to squeeze sickness and incapacity benefits will go ahead on Tuesday despite 120 Labour MPs publicly backing a move to block the legislation.