- Sir Keir Starmer is facing accusations of losing control of the Labour Party after choosing not to suspend 15 MPs who defied his order to vote against an inquiry into the prime minister.
- The rebel MPs, predominantly from the left-wing Socialist Campaign Group, voted in favour of an investigation into claims the prime minister misled parliament regarding the Peter Mandelson security vetting scandal.
- Unlike previous instances where rebels were suspended for defying the whip on issues like the two-child benefit cap, none of the 15 MPs faced disciplinary action, leading to questions about Sir Keir's authority.
- Speculation suggests the lack of suspensions could be an attempt to avoid prolonging a damaging story or because Sir Keir is not in a strong enough position to take widespread disciplinary action against his own MPs.
- The Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, criticised Sir Keir as 'not in control' during Prime Minister's Questions, while some Labour MPs suggest his leadership is vulnerable, with potential successors like Angela Rayner, Ed Miliband, or Wes Streeting being discussed.
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