A cross-party group of MPs has initiated a campaign to investigate Labour leader Keir Starmer’s alleged involvement in the Speaker-gate controversy amid broader political tensions and predictions of a Labour victory in the next general election.
A coalition of MPs across several political parties has initiated a movement to challenge Labour leader Keir Starmer over his involvement in a dispute referred to as “Speaker-gate.” The controversy emerged following Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s decision to allow a Labour amendment vote during an SNP debate on Gaza, which has been met with calls for a Commons Speaker vote of no confidence. Starmer has acknowledged discussing the matter with Hoyle but denied any threats. A motion signed by 58 MPs from parties including the Conservatives, SNP, and Plaid Cymru seeks an investigation into alleged pressure on the Speaker by Starmer. This move could lead to a significant inquiry by the Privileges Committee. The situation has sparked intense reactions, with a Labour source accusing Conservatives of desperation, while Tory MP Louis French termed it a “huge scandal.”
In other developments, prominent pollster Sir John Curtice predicts a 99% chance of Labour winning the next general election, posing a severe challenge to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party. This forecast is supported by Labour’s consistent lead in polls, including a 20-point advantage in a recent Savanta survey. The political landscape is further complicated by the emergence of Reform UK, which is contributing to the Conservative Party’s challenges.
Amidst these political dynamics, Conservative Penny Mordaunt has dismissed speculation about undermining PM Sunak, highlighting her involvement in numerous party fundraising events. Despite rumors, Mordaunt appears focused on supporting her party, even as she ranks as a popular figure among Conservative members. Meanwhile, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris was seen engaging in lighter moments at a Guinness-themed pub quiz, offering a glimpse into the more informal interactions within UK’s political circles.
The unfolding events depict a charged atmosphere in UK politics as parties gear up for future electoral battles, with internal movements and external predictions indicating significant shifts on the horizon.