Starmer sees off Tory calls for inquiry into Mandelson affair

The Prime Minister has survived a major Labour rebellion after MPs rejected a motion to open an inquiry into claims that he misled the House over the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.

By a majority of 112 votes, 335 to 223, Labour used its majority to block the “sleaze” inquiry which allies called a "political stunt". The result means Sir Keir Starmer appears to be over the worst of a scandal that has rocked the foundations of his premiership.

Labour MPs were ordered to oppose the attempt to launch an investigation, which was led by the Tories and supported by the Liberal Democrats, SNP and other opposition MPs.

However, there were 15 Labour MPs who went against the three-line whip and voted to subject the PM to an investigation by the Privileges Committee.

The vote came after Sir Keir was put in the clear when his former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney , took the fall for the appointment of Lord Mandelson as ambassador…