Keir Starmer is facing a critical day as MPs vote on whether there should be a parliamentary sleaze inquiry into the Mandelson vetting row.
The PM last night urged Labour backbenchers to “stand together” against the motion to refer him to the Privileges Committee. He accused the Tories of a “stunt” over claims he misled the Commons about the former US ambassador’s appointment.
The crunch vote is expected this afternoon following evidence from senior figures including former top Foreign Office(FCDO) mandarin Sir Philip Barton. Sir Philip faces questions about the level of pressure exerted by No10 following explosive evidence by his successor Sir Olly Robbins last week.
A large-scale effort to shore up backbench support was under way on Monday night, with former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown also urging the party to back Mr Starmer.
The PM told a packed meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP): “When we stick together and fight together we are so much stronger.” He sought to dismiss the Commons bid to refer him to the committee which ended Boris Johnson’s political career as a “stunt” by political opponents intent on inflicting damage before the May elections.
Mr Starmer told the PLP: “I have responsibility for being totally transparent with you, with Parliament and the British public.“I take that very seriously as well. But this is not about a lack of transparency.
“This is a political stunt by our opponents who want to bring us down, obscure our message, stop us getting on with our work.“And the timing tells you everything, nine days before local elections.”
He said the Conservatives had put forward “totally baseless” and “absolutely ridiculous” accusations against him and insisted the motion on Tuesday was “pure politics”, adding: “We need to stand together against it.”