Keir Starmer will face a Commons vote on whether to launch a standards investigation into his appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, after the Speaker granted a debate. The vote, set for Tuesday, could refer the prime minister to the privileges committee over claims he misled parliament.
The controversy stems from revelations that Mandelson was appointed despite vetting officials advising against granting security clearance. Starmer has denied misleading MPs, stating he acted on the information available at the time. The Tories argue he breached ministerial rules by saying 'full due process' was followed.
Government whips are expected to instruct Labour MPs to oppose the referral, making a Conservative victory unlikely. However, some Labour MPs may rebel, reflecting discontent over the affair. Former cabinet ministers Alan Johnson and David Blunkett called the move a 'nakedly political stunt', while the foreign affairs committee is already investigating.
Speaker Lindsay Hoyle said his role was to let the House decide, not to judge the case. The vote follows a memo from former cabinet secretary Simon Case, who appeared to advise completing vetting before announcing the appointment. Downing Street insists Starmer told the truth, citing evidence from senior civil servants.
