Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has confirmed that MPs will vote on whether to investigate claims that Keir Starmer misled Parliament over the vetting process for Peter Mandelson's appointment. The decision follows a request from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who will table a motion for debate on Wednesday.
Hoyle told the Commons that he received letters from several MPs, including the opposition leader, and that such matters should be referred to the privileges committee sparingly. He said his role is to prevent frivolous complaints and that MPs should decide on the issue.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown urged Labour MPs to support Starmer, arguing that the country faces challenging times and that the party should focus on national priorities. Brown's intervention came as No 10 published a previously confidential memo to refute claims that Starmer misled MPs.
Labour holds a working majority of 165, and the government is expected to defeat the Tory motion. However, reports suggest that wavering MPs are being contacted by ministers and Starmer allies to secure their support.
