Labour minister stunned as LBC skewers her with brutal 6-word 'k**bhead' question

York Central MP Rachael Maskell, who has been suspended for "standing up for my constituents" over benefits plans, appeared on LBC to be grilled about losing the whip. Maskell was one of four Labour MPs to be suspended from the party for breaching party discipline. The others are Brian Leishman, Chris Hinchliff and Neil Duncan-Jordan.

During the interview, LBC presenter Iain Dale asked her a particularly blunt question, leaving viewers aback. He said: "Geri Scott, The Times journalist who I think broke this story, asked Number 10 for their reasoning for this. And they said the reason that your four have had the whip withdrawn is because of, and I quote, consistent knobheadery. Do you consider yourself a knobhead?

She replied: "I don't even know what that means, but I think it's really insulting. I'm here trying to do a professional job on behalf of people who desperately need a voice, and if that is contempt by which I am, and my colleagues are treated, lesser alone my constituents, I find that really insulting. I hope that is withdrawn."

In response one viewer asked on X: "How is it acceptable for Ian Dale to pose a question in that way?" Another added: "How insulting is that question... never heard a incompetent Tory ever called that."

A third said, "He's quoting the Government. And because, on this rare occasion, the Government is right!" Iain himself replied: "How about you actually watch the clip before commenting? I was quoting a Downing Street spokesperson."

Maskell was a key figure in organising the rebellion against the welfare bill, and during another interview, she claimed this was behind her suspension.

She called the bill an "omnishambles" and described the changes as "Dickensian cuts belong to a different era and a different party".

The politician told the BBC: "I don't see myself as a rebel. But I'm not afraid to speak up about whatever is in my constituents' interests."

Maskell said to PA Media had a positive conversation with the chief whip, explaining: "He knows my heart and why I did what I did. I explained there are lines I can't cross because of where I come from in politics with my faith."