Labour figures criticise calls for inquiry into PM's Mandelson claims

Labour figures criticise calls for inquiry into PM's Mandelson claimsJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleHouse of CommonsSenior Labour figures have criticised calls for a new parliamentary investigation into whether the prime minister was honest with MPs about the vetting process for Lord Mandelson's appointment as the UK's ambassador to the US.Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Sir Keir Starmer had misled Parliament "multiple times" on the subject.She urged Labour MPs to "look into their consciences" and back a new inquiry by the Privileges Committee.Labour MP Dame Emily Thornberry, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee which is looking into the appointment, told the BBC there was no "rush" to set up a new inquiry and suggested some MPs were "trying to score points ahead of the local elections".Separately ex-Labour ministers Lord Blunkett and Alan Johnson have said an inquiry would be a "waste of money". The Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle would need to allow a debate on the matter and it would be up to MPs to vote on whether to launch an investigation.If he does allow a vote, this could take place as soon as Tuesday.The government holds a majority in the House of Commons, so a large number of Labour MPs would have to vote for an inquiry or abstain in order for one to be launched. The Privileges Committee can look into cases of MPs breaking parliamentary rules and in 2023 it ruled that the former Prime Minister Boris Johnson had misled MPs about parties in Downing Street during Covid. The Ministerial Code states that ministers who knowingly mislead Parliament are expected to resign, while any inadvertent error should be corrected "at the earliest opportunity".Starmer insists 'majority' of Labour MPs back his leadershipA grim week for Starmer - but things could be about to get worseKey figure in Mandelson vetting row will not give evidence before MPs Lord Mandelson w...