Referral of Prime Minister to Committee of Privileges

Justin Madders Excerpts

Tuesday 28th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Badenoch]

I am concerned about the Prime Minister’s judgment on all manner of issues, not just the one we are discussing today.

This morning, we even heard the Prime Minister’s former chief of staff say that it should not have been him doing the due diligence, and that what he got back from Mandelson was not the full truth, but the Prime Minister appointed Peter Mandelson anyway—that is Morgan McSweeney saying that it was not full due process.

On several counts, it is clear that full due process was, in fact, not followed in this appointment.

[Justin Madders (Ellesmere Port and Bromborough) (Lab)]

rose—

[Mrs Badenoch]

Labour Members should not worry. I will give way because I want them to have every opportunity to make fools of themselves—just be patient.

Even the Prime Minister’s current position contains a glaring logical inconsistency. How can he say that full process was followed while, at the same time, firing Sir Olly Robbins for not following process? It would be fantastic if the hon. Gentleman answered that question.

[Justin Madders]

I will ask the questions of the Leader of the Opposition, as that is how interventions work. Can I also suggest that, if she wants Government Back Benchers to support her motion, she should not be insulting us and calling us sheep? The critical question to which a lot of Back Benchers want to know the answer is: why now? Why, when the Foreign Affairs Committee has not concluded its investigation, has she brought forward this motion now? Is it because there are local elections next week, or is that a coincidence?

[Mr Speaker]

Order. The decision was made on the letter that was sent to me, not on whether somebody may be meeting somewhere else. It is judged on the merit of that. I do not need to be questioned again.