The full scale of the rebellion against Sir Keir Starmer became clear following a crucial vote on a sleaze inquiry, with several Labour MPs branding their leader ‘weak and guilty’. Ministers attempted to downplay the widespread revolt, dismissing the dissenting members as 'usual suspects'. However, Starmer's authority was significantly challenged as 14 of his MPs sided with the Tories, while dozens more abstained on the vote for an investigation into whether he misled Parliament. The large number of rebels put Labour whips in a difficult position, dallying over whether to discipline them amid concerns that Starmer’s leadership might be too weak to expel them from the party.

The motion, brought by opposition parties, sought to refer the Prime Minister to the Privileges Committee for allegedly misleading the Commons over the controversial appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador. Despite a three-line whip – which typically carries the threat of suspension or expulsion – Sir Keir ordered his MPs to vote against an investigation. This stance drew criticism and comparisons to Boris Johnson’s fateful decision to allow a committee to investigate him over Partygate. During a five-hour Commons debate, some Labour MPs openly questioned why Starmer feared the committee if he was telling the truth.

Among those who abstained was MP Graham Stringer, who stated he could not support the government line but also could not side with the Tories, calling the government response