Dozens of Labour MPs, some whom are backing Jeremy Corbyn for Labour leader, have co-signed a letter to support Andy Burnham for showing leadership in the row over last night’s welfare vote. Burnham wanted Labour to oppose the bill at every vote, but eventually accepted the position to vote for a reasoned amendment and abstain after that failed to pass. However, he made no secret that he would have preferred a tougher stance.

Before the vote, he emailed every Labour MP to tell them he of his intentions, explaining that as a Shadow Cabinet member he felt bound by collective responsibility, and that it was a value aspiring leaders should not take lightly. “Collective responsibility is important and it is what I would expect as Leader of our Party”, he wrote. “It is why I will be voting for our Reasoned Amendment and, if it is defeated, abstaining on the Bill.”

In a further statement after the vote, he clarified that as leader the party would take further action to oppose the bill, saying: “Under my Leadership, Labour will oppose this Bill with everything we’ve got when it comes back before MPs later this year.”

19 of the MPs who signed the letter rebelled in last night’s welfare vote, while four nominated Jeremy Corbyn for leader. You can read the full letter below:

We are writing as MPs who voted last night to oppose the Government’s Welfare Bill, some by voting for the Labour amendment that said the Bill should be rejected and some by voting against the Bill when that amendment failed.

The debacle of last night must never be repeated.

We are grateful that Andy Burnham showed leadership in moving Labours position to an amendment opposing the Bill. He is clear, as we are clear that this Bill is regressive and hits working families and children.

Andy was right, as someone bound by the collective responsibility of the Shadow Cabinet, despite his personal opposition to the Bill, to abstain. As someone who aspires to lead and unite our Party he was right not to lead a split in Labour, which would have weakened our ability to take the fight to the Tories.

The Parliamentary passage of this legislation has only just begun, this is not the end of the battle. Andy has said that unless the Government make major changes, then as leader, he will oppose this Bill at every opportunity when it is considered by MPs in the Autumn.

He will have our whole-hearted support in doing so.

Yours sincerely