Councillor Nicky Gynn, representing West Park ward, also spoke movingly about her own personal experiences as a lone parent and expressed pride in the motion's success:

“…Thank you to those Labour members who showed true courage and moral leadership in putting the needs of vulnerable children first, rather than towing the party line. As I said in the chamber this evening, to all those still supporting this policy - do better. Just do better!"

"The two-child cap is a cruel and unnecessary policy that targets the most vulnerable in South Tyneside and throughout the country. Tonight’s vote proves that compassion and reason can prevail…

David Francis, Green Group leader and councillor for Beacon and Bents ward, hailed the outcome as a triumph for justice and evidence-based policymaking:

Research from institutions such as the Universities of York and Newcastle shows that scrapping the policy would be one of the most effective measures to alleviate child poverty.

Introduced by the Conservative government in 2017, the policy restricts child tax credit and universal credit to the first two children in most households. Criticised as a major driver of child poverty, the cap has been condemned by experts, universities, and charities alike.

During the meeting, Labour leader Tracey Dixon was audibly heard putting pressure on Labour members to vote against the motion. Despite her intervention, several Labour councillors defied party lines, demonstrating a growing unease within their ranks over the policy.

Despite initial resistance and attempts by Labour councillors to water down the motion, a surprising number broke ranks, voting in favour or abstaining—a move that defied their national party's staunch position on maintaining the cap.

In a significant victory for child poverty reduction, South Tyneside Green Party's motion to call on the Labour government to abolish the two-child benefit cap was passed at the full council meeting on Thursday, January 23rd.