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Starmer faces vote on inquiry over Mandelson vetting claims
MPs are set to vote on whether to refer Starmer’s Mandelson vetting claims to the Privileges Committee, with a debate scheduled for April 28. The prime minister and Labour leader deny misleading Parliament, while Conservative and Liberal Democrat figures push for an inquiry. The issue connects to a past Privileges Committee ruling and a 2025 Downing Street letter; the vote coincides with a Foreign Affairs Committee hearing.
Why It Matters
The outcome tests parliamentary standards and could trigger an inquiry into the prime minister’s conduct, shaping public perceptions of accountability in the government.
Timeline
8 Events
Evidence to Foreign Affairs Committee and Privileges Committee vote set for April 28, 2026
April 27, 2026
Former senior government figures, including Morgan McSweeney and Sir Philip Barton, were due to give evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee on the same day as the Privileges Committee vote.
Gordon Brown backs Starmer; Labour should focus on priorities
April 27, 2026
Former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown expressed support for Starmer, urging Labour to focus on the priorities of the British people.
Zack Polanski backs inquiry; cites distracting economic concerns
April 27, 2026
Green Party leader Zack Polanski said he would support an inquiry and noted the issue as a distraction from low wages and high bills, while suggesting it may be addressed later.
Badenoch calls for inquiry; Labour MPs urged to back Privileges Committee
April 27, 2026
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Starmer had misled Parliament 'multiple times' on the subject and urged Labour MPs to back an inquiry by the Privileges Committee.
Prime minister denies misled MPs over Mandelson vetting and 'no pressure' claim
April 27, 2026
The prime minister denied accusations he misled MPs over whether Mandelson's vetting to be ambassador to the US followed 'due process' and over his assertion that there was 'no pressure whatsoever' on officials at the Foreign Office.
Debate on Privileges Committee inquiry scheduled for April 28, 2026
April 27, 2026
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he was allowing a debate on the matter on Tuesday (April 28, 2026) and it would then be up to MPs to decide if the Privileges Committee should hold an inquiry.
Letter from Sir Chris Wormald published (September 2025) stating processes followed in Mandelson appointment
September 2025
Downing Street published a letter from September 2025 in which the then-head of the Civil Service Sir Chris Wormald told the prime minister that 'appropriate processes' were followed in the Mandelson appointment.
Privileges Committee ruling in 2023 that Boris Johnson misled MPs
2023
In 2023 the Privileges Committee ruled that former Prime Minister Boris Johnson had misled MPs about parties in Downing Street during the Covid lockdown.