MPs to vote on launching ‘sleaze’ inquiry into Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer faces a vote today by MPs on whether to launch a sleaze inquiry into the Peter Mandelson vetting saga, on what will be a crucial day for the future of his premiership.

- MILLIE COOKE DAVID MADDOX

Sir Lindsay Hoyle confirmed yesterday that MPs would be allowed to debate whether or not the prime minister should be referred to the powerful Commons Committee of Privileges for a probe into whether he misled parliament over the disgraced peer’s appointment as US ambassador.

The committee was responsible for Boris Johnson’s exit from frontline politics after it investigated him for misleading the House over the Partygate breaches of Covid laws in Downing Street.

It will come on the same day as his former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and former top civil servant Sir Philip Barton - both of whom played key roles in the appointment of Lord Mandelson - will give evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mr McSweeney was widely regarded as a protege of the former US ambassador and pushed for his appointment, while Sir Philip was the predecessor of Sir Olly Robbins - who was sacked by Sir Keir for not telling ministers that Lord Mandelson had failed security vetting.

Sir Philip left the department in January last year, eight months earlier than expected. The committee is expected to examine whether he left his post as a result of his opposition to Lord Mandelson’s appointment.