Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch are set to clash at PMQs for the final time ahead of the upcoming local elections. The Prime Minister will be grilled about the Peter Mandelson scandal following the rejection of a motion by MPs to investigate whether he misled Parliament regarding the appointment.
Prior to the vote, Cabinet Minister Darren Jones criticized Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, labeling the motion as a politically motivated spectacle. The testimony of Keir Starmer’s former top aide Morgan McSweeney and Philip Barton at the Foreign Affairs Committee raised further concerns about the appointment.
During the session, Kemi Badenoch accused the PM of failing to boost the economy as promised, highlighting the increase in the welfare bill. She questioned the number of unemployed individuals and its associated costs.
In response, the PM defended the welfare system, attributing its structure to the opposition party. He mentioned that Labour attempted to enhance it, but the Conservatives opposed the efforts.
Meanwhile, Nigel Farage disclosed that his residence was targeted in a firebombing incident, emphasizing the risks associated with his role. In another development, Housing Secretary Steve Reed dismissed suggestions of a cover-up within the Labour party regarding the Lord Mandelson vetting issue.
Steve Reed stated that there is significant scrutiny on the matter and expressed indifference towards Labour MPs who voted against the party’s stance. Nigel Farage also commented on Reform’s position on the two-child benefit cap, acknowledging the challenges of navigating political decisions.
In a separate event, Keir Starmer successfully navigated a parliamentary push to subject him to a sleaze inquiry in connection to the Peter Mandelson controversy. Today marks the final confrontation between the PM and Kemi Badenoch before the impending elections. The Tory motion to refer the Prime Minister to the Privileges Committee for investigation was defeated by a considerable margin.