MPs reject bid to investigate claim PM misled Commons over Mandelson appointment
Sir Keir Starmer will not face a parliamentary investigation into claims he misled Parliament over the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US.
MPs rejected a bid by the Conservatives to refer the Prime Minister to the Commons Privileges Committee on Tuesday by 335 to 223 after Labour MPs were ordered to oppose the move.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch had accused the Prime Minister of misleading the Commons by claiming “full due process” had been followed and “no pressure existed” in Lord Mandelson’s appointment.
Some Labour figures have branded Mrs Badenoch’s call for an investigation a “political stunt”.
But a handful of backbenchers broke ranks on Tuesday to criticise the Government for whipping its MPs to oppose the motion, and suggested the Prime Minister should refer himself to the Privileges Committee to “clear his name”.
Some 15 Labour MPs rebelled against the whip and backed Mrs Badenoch’s motion, along with Hull MP Karl Turner who recently lost the Labour whip over his opposition to plans to limit jury trials.
Sir Keir himself attended the Commons on Tuesday evening to vote against the motion.
Following the vote, a Downing Street spokesman said the Government was “delivering for Britain” while the Conservatives had “resorted to this desperate political stunt” ahead of local elections “because they have no answers on the cost of living or the NHS”.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said Sir Keir had “ducked scrutiny” by whipping his MPs to oppose the Tory motion, describing the move as “cowardly”.
Sir Keir has consistently denied misleading the House, leaning on the conclusion of former Cabinet secretary Sir Chris Wormald that “appropriate processes” were followed.
Published: by Radio NewsHub