Image source, AFP via Getty ImagesImage caption, Sir Keir Starmer (left) and Lord Peter MandelsonByRichard WheelerPolitical reporterPublished28 April 2026 Sir Keir Starmer will not face a parliamentary investigation over claims he misled MPs about the process to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador. The House of Commons voted 335 to 223 against a Conservative-led motion which sought to trigger the inquiry. Some Labour MPs on the left of the party said the PM should have referred himself to the Privileges Committee, but the majority voted to reject the motion after a concerted operation by No 10 to ensure they were on side. Sir Keir has denied accusations he misled MPs over whether vetting for the role of US ambassador followed "full due process" and his assertion that "no pressure whatsoever" was applied to officials at the Foreign Office. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch tabled a motion which sought to have the PM's remarks assessed by the cross-party committee responsible for looking into cases of MPs breaking parliamentary rules.
Published: April 28, 2026 5:39 pm
Source: BBC — Read original