Starmer sees off inquiry call - but he doesn't escape unscathed

While the headlines will declare a victory for Sir Keir Starmer, the reality behind the parliamentary vote is far more complex and, frankly, concerning for the Labour leadership. The comfortable majority achieved in rejecting the call for an investigation into Starmer's statements on Lord Mandelson's ambassadorial appointment masks a significant expenditure of political capital and a worrying display of internal party dynamics.

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No 10 expended considerable political capital in keeping its troops onside.

Downing Street's 'ring-round' by cabinet ministers and the recall of MPs from campaigning underscore the fact that loyalty cannot be taken for granted. The fact that 14 Labour MPs defied the whip, with some delivering scathing critiques, highlights deep-seated frustrations within the party. While some backbenchers defended the government's position, citing ongoing work to clarify the appointment process, others felt compelled to speak out against what they perceived as a 'cover-up' orchestrated by the leadership.

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There was undoubtedly support from some Labour backbenchers, pointing to ongoing work to shed light on the process surrounding Lord Mandelson's appointment and rejecting the notion another inquiry was necessary.

From our vantage point, this episode reveals a government that, despite securing a procedural win, is grappling with internal dissent and a lack of unwavering support. The decision to deploy the 'full weight of the Number 10 operation' to rally MPs, while perhaps savvy in avoiding a committee that ensnared Boris Johnson, also suggests a lack of confidence in the party's natural inclination to follow. The relief in Number 10 is palpable, but it's tempered by the weary resignation and deep frustration among Labour MPs who would rather be discussing policy than yet another parliamentary drama. This issue, however resolved for now, continues to consume valuable time and attention, a luxury the government can ill afford.

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There was particular anger at the fact Downing Street had whipped its MPs in an attempt to guarantee their backing – with one claiming Labour backbenchers could be accused in being complicit of a "cover-up".