Starmer sees off inquiry call - but he doesn't escape unscathed
Sir Keir Starmer successfully avoided a parliamentary inquiry regarding his statements about Lord Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador. Despite winning the vote with a clear majority, the situation highlighted divisions within the Labour Party and concerns over Downing Street's influence. The ongoing controversy continues to affect Starmer's authority among his MPs, leaving them frustrated with the distraction from other pressing issues.
- ▪Starmer won the vote with a majority rejecting the inquiry into his statements.
- ▪There was significant political maneuvering by Downing Street to secure MP support.
- ▪14 Labour MPs voted against the government, indicating internal dissent within the party.
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Starmer sees off inquiry call - but he doesn't escape unscathed28 April 2026ShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleAlex ForsythPolitical correspondentGetty ImagesThere can be moments of high jeopardy in Parliament when Westminster holds its breath to await the outcome of a crucial debate that could determine a government's future.In the end this didn't feel like one of them, but that doesn't mean Sir Keir Starmer has escaped unscathed.Ultimately he won the vote pretty comfortably with a clear majority of MPs rejecting the idea that he should be referred to a parliamentary committee for investigation over his statements about Lord Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador.But beyond the headline win, this was not a victorious moment.Key points as MPs question ex-senior aide about Mandelson…
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