David Vance SubstackRead More
With an overwhelming majority in the Commons, Prime Minister Starmer was NEVER going to lose the vote that took place last night. As you may know, the motion in front of MPs was referring Starmer to the Committee of Privileges over allegations he misled Parliament. This was regarding the appointment and vetting of Peter Mandelson as UK Ambassador to the USA.
MPs rejected the opposition motion by 335 votes to 223.
Kemi Badenoch, supported by Liberal Democrats, SNP, DUP and others, sought an investigation into whether Starmer’s on the record statements on “full due process” and security vetting for Mandelson amounted to a contempt of the House. It seems to me that there is no doubt that he did do this but this is the political world we are talking about and facts don’t matter.
Labour, which holds a large majority, whipped its MPs to oppose the motion. Despite that 14 Labour backbenchers rebelled and voted in favour, largely from the party’s hard left, including Rebecca Long-Bailey, John McDonnell, Richard Burgon and Nadia Whittome. One independent former Labour MP also supported it.
The vote followed a debate in which opposition parties accused the government of a lack of transparency over Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer’s former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, earlier told MPs he made a “serious mistake” in recommending the appointment. This was a self sacrifice from McSweeney for Starmer which I am sure he be reward for in due course – arise Lord McSweeney?.
Downing St described the vote as a “desperate political stunt” by the Conservatives ahead of May elections in England, Scotland and Wales. But the truth is the opposite. Labour HAD to whip the MPs to ensure that he did not lose this. But it only delays the inevitable.
The May 7th Elections will be the final nail in his political coffin. Labour will be humiliated and it is that which will trigger his removal, one way or another. It’s not the National Interest that motivates Labour MPs – it’s self survival!
