Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has survived a high-profile attempt to trigger a formal investigation into his conduct after MPs voted against referring him to the House of Commons Privileges Committee.
Following a lengthy and at times heated debate, the motion was defeated by 335 votes to 223, giving the government a majority of 112. Labour whips were deployed to ensure party discipline, with most backbenchers backing the government despite unease in some quarters.
The move followed allegations relating to Starmer’s handling of the vetting process for Lord Mandelson’s failed appointment as UK ambassador to Washington. Critics argued that the Prime Minister gave an inaccurate account of how the decision was made and whether relevant security concerns were fully considered.
Downing Street dismissed the motion as a politically motivated attempt to destabilise the government ahead of May’s local elections. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, however, accused Starmer of failing to provide transparency and accountability to Parliament.
The political clash coincided with testimony before the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. Former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney admitted a serious error in recommending Mandelson, while confirming that ultimate responsibility rested with the Prime Minister, who had been briefed at the time.
Former Foreign Office permanent under-secretary Sir Philip Barton told MPs he had raised concerns early on about Mandelson’s historical links to Jeffrey Epstein, warning they could damage relations with the United States. He also said he was not included in the initial decision-making process.
Despite securing the Commons vote, Labour faces growing internal unease, with some MPs expressing concern that the government is avoiding proper scrutiny. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey criticised the handling of the issue as “cowardly”.
Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak condemned the appointment as a serious failure of judgement, arguing that responsibility for diplomatic posts lies with the Prime Minister, not civil service processes. He accused the government of relying on reviews rather than accountability as scrutiny over the affair intensifies.
