Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure as the Conservative Party deploys parliamentary tactics previously used by Labour against Boris Johnson during the Partygate affair. The prime minister is facing a privilege motion over allegations that he misled Parliament regarding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington.
The controversy stems from Starmer's decision in late 2024 to appoint Mandelson, a Labour peer twice forced to resign from government over separate scandals. Documents revealed that vetting officials recommended denying Mandelson security clearance, advice that was overlooked by the Foreign Office. Starmer has said he was unaware of this advice.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch secured a humble address motion earlier this year to force the release of documents related to Mandelson's appointment. This tactic, used by Starmer four times in opposition, has now been turned against him. Badenoch also brought an emergency opposition day debate, and is now pushing for a privileges committee investigation into whether Starmer misled the Commons.
During Partygate, Labour argued that Boris Johnson misled Parliament over lockdown-breaking parties, which the ministerial code deems a resignation offence. Conservatives say they are studying that playbook. “We absolutely have learned the lessons from what happened during Partygate,” said one Conservative veteran. “Our long-term strategy is to trap the prime minister progressively until he can no longer deny that he misled parliament.”
Starmer sacked Mandelson within a year of his appointment after documents showed his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was closer than previously known. However, the current focus is on the vetting process and whether Starmer misled MPs when he repeatedly stated that “full due process” had been followed.
