Starmer-Mandelson latest: PM to face Commons vote today over misleading MPs in vetting scandal

A government minister said the decision on whether to return to Westminster should be “up to Andy”.

The question of whether Andy Burnham is an MP has become a contentious issue in the Labor Party after his candidacy for Gorton and Denton was blocked by the party’s NEC.

Senior government and party sources told The Times that the prime minister’s aides have been instructed to ensure Mr Burnham does not take over Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.

Asked about the reports on Tuesday, education secretary Bridget Phillipson said she did not recognize the reports but asked whether he should be allowed to stand, adding: “I think that’s up to Andy.

“Of course he has a lot to offer. He’s doing a fantastic job as mayor of Manchester. We’ve worked really closely on areas such as skills and technical education.”

According to Politico, a debate in the parliament could start as early as 12.45 on a critical day for the prime minister.

Kemi Badenoch will open for the Conservatives, while Alex Burghart will close. Votes must be cast by 19:00.

Meanwhile, Sir Philip Barton, the former senior official at the Foreign Office (FCDO), will appear before the Foreign Affairs Committee at around 9am, followed by Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keir Starmer’s former private secretary, before the Foreign Affairs Committee at around 11am.

The prime minister will block any attempt by Andy Burnham to return to Westminster “at all costs”, the report says. The Times.

Mr Burnham, the Mayor of Manchester, attempted to stand as the party’s candidate in the recent Gorton and Denton by-election but was blocked by the party’s NEC.

Sources say mayor is looking at other routes back to Westminster Times Sir Keir Starmer’s aides were reportedly told “in no uncertain terms” to make sure he would not take over the leadership.

A senior party source told The Times: “They have been told to stop Andy from becoming Keir’s successor at all costs, under no uncertain terms.”

A government minister has hit out at today’s parliamentary vote on whether Sir Keir Starmer should face a shoddy investigation described as a “naked political stunt”.

Education Minister Bridget Phillipson said she would vote against the motion, which she described as “unfounded”, later today.

He told Sky News: “I think there is no basis for this and I think it is a blatant political stunt by the Conservative Party just a week or so before the local elections.

“We can see what this is. They can see what it is. They’re not doing anything about what they want to do here.”

He added: “The Prime Minister has been open, he has been transparent. I think there is no basis for what is being suggested here and that this is a political game being played by the conservatives.”

Pity those poor Labor MPs who are expected to be wandering the lobbies on Tuesday to decide whether Sir Keir Starmer should be investigated for contempt of Parliament.

Privately, some are already complaining about being in a “lose-lose situation” as Sir Keir is expected to ignore the precedent set by Boris Johnson in April 2022 and force MPs to vote against the move.

Sir Keir Starmer faces a critical day in his premiership as MPs vote on whether to launch a parliamentary inquiry into Lord Mandelson’s review controversy.

The prime minister has called on Labor supporters to “stand together” against a motion to refer him to the Privileges Committee over allegations the former US ambassador misled the House of Commons about how his appointment was made, the PA news agency reported.

Evidence from senior figures, including Sir Philip Barton, a former senior official at the Foreign Office (FCDO), about Lord Mandelson’s review for the role has the potential to create further complications for Sir Keir’s position at a committee hearing earlier on Tuesday.

A wide-ranging effort to shore up supporters’ support was launched on Monday night, with former Labor prime minister Gordon Brown also urging the party to back Sir Keir.