Neil Coyle: Labour Readmits MP Suspended Over ‘Drunken Racial Abuse’

Labour MP Neil Coyle, representing Bermondsey and Old Southwark, had the party whip restored on 24 May 2023 after a period of suspension linked to two incidents of inappropriate conduct involving alcohol in Parliament.

Background and Incidents

Coyle faced complaints following events in the House of Commons’ Strangers’ Bar in late 2021 and early 2022. A parliamentary investigation by the Independent Expert Panel examined two separate cases under the Commons’ bullying and harassment policy.

In one incident (February 2022), Coyle was found to have used “abusive language with racial overtones” towards Henry Dyer, then a political reporter for the Insider website (now with The Guardian). In the other (January 2022), he directed “foul-mouthed and drunken abuse” at a junior parliamentary assistant working for another MP.

The panel’s report, published in March 2023, highlighted alcohol as a central factor. Sir Stephen Irwin, chair of the Independent Expert Panel, noted the “very marked abuse of alcohol” at the root of both episodes. Coyle admitted he was drunk on both occasions.

Parliamentary Sanctions

On 3 March 2023, the House of Commons approved a five-day suspension for Coyle following the panel’s recommendations. He also delivered a public apology in the Chamber. The initial panel recommendation was for a two-day suspension, but it was increased.

Coyle had already been suspended from the Labour Party in February 2022 and banned from parliamentary bars for six months. He pledged to remain teetotal and has publicly discussed his struggles with alcoholism, stating that the complaints may have helped address his issues.

Readmission to Labour

Labour’s chief whip, Alan Campbell, confirmed the restoration of the whip on 24 May 2023. The party acknowledged Coyle’s efforts to address his conduct, including sobriety, while emphasising that alcohol does not excuse such behaviour.

Coyle was re-elected as the Labour MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark in subsequent elections, retaining the seat.

Later Developments

In the years following, Coyle has continued his parliamentary work. He has spoken openly about his recovery from alcoholism. In 2023, it was reported that he claimed expenses for equality training related to the incidents.

As of 2026, Coyle remains an active Labour MP. The case drew attention to issues of alcohol culture in Westminster and standards of behaviour for parliamentarians.