Karl Turner has Labour whip restored on ‘probationary basis’ after issuing apology

Labour confirmed that Mr Turner had returned to its benches after apologising to colleagues.

The MP said he regretted any “offence I may have caused colleagues” after his falling out with the then-Justice Secretary.

A Labour Party spokesman confirmed that: “Following discussions with the Government Chief Whip, Karl Turner MP has had the Labour whip restored on a probationary basis.

“The Chief Whip welcomes Karl Turner’s constructive engagement and his acknowledgement that aspects of his behaviour, actions and public comments fell short of the standards expected of Labour MPs.

“We welcome his public apology and the undertakings he has given regarding his future conduct.

“We now look forward to moving ahead positively, with Karl Turner continuing to contribute as a Labour MP.”

“I want to take this opportunity to apologise and reflect on the offence I may have caused colleagues in recent months,” Mr Turner wrote on X.

“In particular, I recognise that my conduct during disagreements over the Government’s proposals to curtail jury trials was, at times, unacceptable.”

The MP said he had given the Chief Whip “assurances as to my future conduct” and is “keen to move forward positively” with a party under Andy Burnham’s new leadership.

The Kingston upon Hull East MP supported Mr Burnham to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister

Speaking to GB News ahead of Mr Burnham’s move to Downing Street, Mr Turner said he had spoken with the then-incoming Prime Minister about his return to the Labour benches.

“I’ve had conversations with Andy Burnham over the weeks and months and he’s made it clear to me.

“In fact, he told me directly, it was unsolicited as well, that he would have me back in the fold in a heartbeat.”

Discussing Sir Keir’s departure, the Kingston upon Hull East MP said he was “delighted” that the former Prime Minister had “done the right thing and resigned”.

Mr Turner had also previously told The People’s Channel that Mr Burnham was “down to earth” and a “normal guy”.

“I’m a fan of Andy Burnham. He’s down to earth, he’s a normal guy, he’s working class, pulled himself up by his bootstraps actually, and got to Oxbridge and did very well and then chose a political career.

“He’s got some sensible stuff to say, and I think it doesn’t matter who’s in his Cabinet, it doesn’t matter who the personalities are, it won’t matter what the policy is, what really truly matters is delivery.”