KEIR Starmer could face a parliamentary probe into claims he “coerced” Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle into ripping up constitutional rules to let Labour off the hook on a key Gaza vote.
Parliament was plunged into crisis last week when Sir Lindsay decided to change the order of crucial votes on a ceasefire motion.
AFPKeir Starmer in PMQs in the House of Commons[/caption]
He made the decision after holding secretive talks with the Labour leader and Labour’s chief whip Alan Campbell.
But in a bombshell intervention, members of the Tories, SNP and Plaid Cymru have written to Sir Lindsay to raise serious concerns about the decision.
Their letter warns that Sir Keir may have “coerced” the Speaker to “avoid a significant rebellion by his own MPs, sources familiar with the letter said.
They are demanding the privileges committee of MPs be allowed to launch an investigation into exactly what went on in the events leading up to the decision and whether it amounts to a “contempt” of parliament.
The committee is the same group of MPs that carried out the infamous partygate probe which led to Boris Johnson’s shock exit as an MP.
If Sir Keir or anyone else in Labour did put “improper” pressure on Sir Lindsay then the privileges committee can suggest he is suspended or even expelled from parliament.
The letter, which was sent to Sir Lindsay today, points to several reports suggesting that labour figures strong-armed the Speaker into tearing up the rulebook.
This includes claims – reported in the Sun on Sunday last weekend, that Labour whips boasted that Keir had gone to “fix the Speaker” when he was in the crunch meeting with Sir Lindsay.
They also point to Labour MP Chris Bryant’s own admission he had been filibustering parliament and trying to use up time when Sir Keir was in his meeting with Sir Lindsay – to give Labour more time.
The letter has gone to Sir Lindsay because he is Speaker of the Commons and therefore needs to give permission for a motion to be seated to allow the investigation to take place.
But insiders said they expect him to “recuse himself” and for his deputies to take charge of the decision instead.
The deputy speakers are Dame Eleanor Laing, Dame Rose Winterton and Nigel Evans.
The letter represents a massive development in the huge political row.
If a privileges committee probe is launched and Sir Keir is found to have put undue pressure on the Speaker, it would throw Labour into turmoil and could wreck their election chances.
Sir Lindsay’s office declined to comment.
Labour have always denied any wrongdoing.
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