Starmer survives Mandelson vetting vote

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has narrowly survived a parliamentary vote intended to launch a formal inquiry into the security vetting of Lord Peter Mandelson.

The opposition Conservatives had alleged that Starmer misled MPs regarding the vetting process for Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the U.S. While the motion was defeated, the Prime Minister faced intense questioning during PMQs over whether standard procedures were followed.

The controversy has sparked a rebellion within the Labour Party, with some MPs branding Starmer 'weak' for his handling of the scandal as local elections approach.