Attempts to push for a sleaze investigation against Keir Starmer regarding the Peter Mandelson vetting controversy have been labeled as mere political maneuvers. The Conservative party is urging Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to allow MPs to decide on referring the Prime Minister to the influential Privileges Committee for potentially misleading Parliament about the peer’s appointment as US ambassador.

Previously, the committee found Boris Johnson guilty of misleading Parliament in the Partygate scandal and imposed a 90-day suspension, but the former PM resigned before facing the penalty. The Speaker is anticipated to address MPs shortly, though a successful vote seems unlikely due to Labour’s significant majority. Nevertheless, such a move would increase pressure on the PM, whose judgment has been scrutinized for overlooking concerns raised by vetting officials before appointing the former Labour figure to Washington.

Dominic Grieve, a former Tory attorney general, criticized the premature consideration of a Privileges Committee referral, emphasizing the need to assess all evidence thoroughly before initiating such a process. He stressed the importance of preventing ministers from deceiving Parliament but cautioned against trivializing the matter for political gain.

Harriet Harman, who led the investigation into Johnson’s case, advised against pursuing a similar course of action, citing an ongoing inquiry by the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. Baroness Harman acknowledged the PM’s apology for the Mandelson appointment but criticized Starmer’s decision to dismiss Sir Olly Robbins from the Foreign Office, believing it exacerbated the situation.

Cabinet Minister Darren Jones defended the PM, highlighting that Sir Olly did not inform Starmer about the vetting concerns relating to Lord Mandelson. Jones underscored the purpose of privilege committees in addressing instances like Johnson’s misleading statements on Downing Street gatherings, emphasizing the need to focus on substantive issues rather than distraction tactics.

A source from No10 rebuffed the Tory’s move as a baseless political stunt, attributing it to a lack of substantial responses on critical issues like living costs and healthcare. Amid escalating scrutiny over the Mandelson affair, MPs are preparing to question former No10 chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and ex-Foreign Office head Sir Philip Barton this week.

As Starmer faces mounting challenges to his leadership, he reaffirmed that a majority of Labour MPs support him and desire his continuation as PM. Stressing the importance of unity and dedication to governance, he highlighted the silent majority within the Parliamentary Labour Party who are focused on executing their duties without seeking undue attention or engaging in public discourse.