Hove MP's private secretary breaks party order and joins picket

Kate Osborne, MP for Jarrow and parliamentary private secretary (PPS) to Peter Kyle, was at the RMT union’s picket in Bromley today, where she demanded a pay rise for public sector workers.

Kate Osborne (centre, holding green RMT flag)

Front bench MPs were told by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer not to attend rail strike pickets.

Due to her role as PPS, Osbourne has defied these orders, but said she is a trade unionist and that she will always stand on the side of the workers.

“Public sector workers deserve a pay rise after three years of a pay freeze,” she said in a video via her Twitter.

Bromley picket this morning - workers have had real terms pay cuts for decades and are now facing a cost of living crisis, food poverty and energy bill rises - all political choices of this Government.

Grant Shapps should get round the table with the @RMTunion.#Solidarity pic.twitter.com/YXR6k4FDBG

— Kate Osborne MP (@KateOsborneMP) June 21, 2022

“Grant Shapps needs to step in, get around the table, and try to resolve this dispute by getting a negotiated agreement.

“This government continues to fail us. We demand better. Workers deserve better. Solidarity to the RMT.”

Shadow Treasury chief secretary Pat McFadden was asked by LBC News whether Osborne would face disciplinary action.

Peter Kyle

“That’s a matter for the whips and for Keir Starmer,” he said.

Labour whip Navendu Mishra also joined a picket, and said he too stands with workers who are taking industrial action.

Peter Kyle has been contacted for comment.