Story perspectives

Commons Rejects Motion to Refer Starmer, Calls It Stunt

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

The House of Commons voted 335-223 against referring Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to the Privileges Committee.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch tabled the motion, alleging Starmer misled Parliament on Lord Peter Mandelson’s security vetting.
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said allowing the vote was a procedural decision, not a judgment on Starmer.
Downing Street released cabinet secretary Chris Wormald’s letter saying processes were followed and calling the motion a political stunt.

History

Historical Context

1911 saw Prime Minister H. H. Asquith pass the Parliament Act after a 131-114 vote, restricting the House of Lords to a two-year delay and shortening Parliament’s term to five years. The 1949 amendment cut the delay to one year. In 2024, Commons’ 335-223 defeat of Kemi Badenoch’s motion to send Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to Privileges Committee reflects shift of authority from Lords to elected chamber.

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Story summary

The House of Commons voted 335-223 against referring Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to the Privileges Committee.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch tabled the motion, alleging Starmer misled Parliament on Lord Peter Mandelson’s security vetting.
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said allowing the vote was a procedural decision, not a judgment on Starmer.
Downing Street released cabinet secretary Chris Wormald’s letter saying processes were followed and calling the motion a political stunt.

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