Harriet Harman Facing a Revolt

Acting Labour leader Harriet Harman is facing a revolt

Scores of Labour MPs are expected to defy an instruction to abstain on the government welfare bill, which includes plans to limit child tax credit to two children.

Three of the four leadership contenders have objected to her approach. But Chancellor George Osborne has written in the Guardian praising Ms Harman's stance as "a step forward".

But many in the Labour party objected, with leadership candidates Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Jeremy Corbyn among those to criticise the plan. Only the fourth candidate, Liz Kendall, supported the move.

Yvette Cooper, Liz Kendall, Andy Burnham and Jeremy Corbyn clashed over welfare during a Labour leadership discussion on the BBC's Sunday Politics. Ms Harman tried to put down the revolt by tabling an amendment to the Welfare Reform and Work Bill setting out measures Labour backs and those it would change.

It offers support for the cutting household welfare cap to £20,000 a year (£23,000 in London), and moving mortgage support from grants to loans. But it opposes the abolition of child poverty targets and changes to Employment and Support Allowance. It makes no mention of the child tax credit change.

Ms Harman said if the amendment was rejected, Labour MPs would be expected to abstain in the vote - leaving the way clear for the bill to be passed.

A large number of Labour MPs and that 60 had signed a rival amendment opposing the changes. Ms Harman being praised by George Osbourne can hardly give  her much comfort.