Lib Dems: Starmer must be investigated by Privileges Committee over Mandelson vetting claims

Lib Dems: Starmer must be investigated by Privileges Committee over Mandelson vetting claims

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has called for Keir Starmer to be referred to the Privileges Committee to investigate whether he misled Parliament over the decision to overrule Mandelson’s failed security vetting.

The move follows claims by the government that the Prime Minister did not know Lord Mandelson failed security vetting for the role of US ambassador until earlier this week.

The Liberal Democrats said an investigation by the Privileges Committee was needed to find out exactly what Keir Starmer knew when, and whether he intentionally misled Parliament. The same process was used against Boris Johnson over the Partygate scandal, in which he was investigated by the Privileges Committee over whether he had deliberately misled Parliament, ultimately leading to his resignation as an MP.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for a motion to refer Keir Starmer to the Privileges Committee to be debated in an emergency debate as soon as Parliament returns on Monday.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

“We need to get to the bottom of exactly what Keir Starmer knew when, and whether he intentionally misled Parliament over this appalling scandal. The public deserves the truth, not another cover up.

“If it turns out that Starmer was aware at the time that Mandelson’s security vetting was overruled, that would represent a major abuse of power and a betrayal of the national interest.

“Boris Johnson eventually resigned after misleading Parliament. If Starmer has done the same, he must be held to the same standard.”

ENDS