LABOUR’S acting leader Harriet Harman faced a backlash last night from MPs who are furious over her support for Tory cuts to child tax credit.

Three of the party’s four leadership contenders criticised the controversial position and vowed to oppose the cuts if elected.

Ms Harman’s comments on Sunday set up an explosive weekly meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party.

She announced on TV — without consulting MPs or members — that the party would back proposals in George Osborne’s Budget to limit child tax credits to two children.

Ms Harman attempted to moderate her position ahead of last night’s meeting, saying Labour would vote today against the Budget as a whole.

But a large number of MPs were set to tell Ms Harman last night to reverse her stance or face a mass rebellion.

“I don’t believe the Labour Party can support welfare measures that will force tens of thousands of children into poverty,” MP Diane Abbott told Radio 4 before the meeting.

“Harriet is always very open and democratic as a politician.

“I’m sure, when she meets us, we will arrive at a conclusion that reflects the views of party members.”

Earlier, in the day, a live televised leadership hustings was dominated by the row.

Jeremy Corbyn, Andy Burnham and Yvette Cooper came out against the cap on child tax credit during the debate on the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire show.

Only Liz Kendall supported Ms Harman, claiming that voters “didn’t trust us and we have to change as a party or we’ll get the same result.”

But Mr Corbyn warned the cuts are “completely contrary to the principles of the rights of all children to be treated fairly and equally — and actually against the convention of the rights of a child.”

Ms Cooper also hit back, saying: “ We can be credible and say we’re going to oppose the things the Tories are doing that are going to hit work, hit people’s incentives to work and families.”

Mr Burnham added: “We should oppose those changes. That’s how Labour makes itself relevant — if it gets up and speaks for
people.”

Labour’s left-wing rivals also seized on the row. Plaid Cymru MP Jonathan Edwards said it showed the party was “already failing in opposition.”