Starmer sees off inquiry call - but he doesn't escape unscathed

Starmer sees off inquiry call - but he doesn't escape unscathed7 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleAlex ForsythPolitical correspondentGetty ImagesThere can be moments of high jeopardy in Parliament when Westminster holds its breath to await the outcome of a crucial debate that could determine a government's future.In the end this didn't feel like one of them, but that doesn't mean Sir Keir Starmer has escaped unscathed.Ultimately he won the vote pretty comfortably with a clear majority of MPs rejecting the idea that he should be referred to a parliamentary committee for investigation over his statements about Lord Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador.But beyond the headline win, this was not a victorious moment.Key points as MPs question ex-senior aide about Mandelson appointmentStarmer sends 'chill' through civil service, its union boss saysNo 10 had 'dismissive attitude' to Mandelson vetting, says ex-officialNo 10 expended considerable political capital in keeping its troops onside.There was a ring-round by cabinet ministers, interventions from Labour big beasts including the former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and Scottish MPs were called back from the campaign trail to bolster the ranks – all signs that Downing Street doesn't feel it can automatically count on the loyalty of its own MPs.There was undoubtedly support from some Labour backbenchers, pointing to ongoing work to shed light on the process surrounding Lord Mandelson's appointment and rejecting the notion another inquiry was necessary.Others said opposition parties were playing political games ahead of crucial elections, something denied by the Conservatives who insisted this was about the integrity of parliament.In the end, 14 Labour MPs voted against the government, and while they were predominantly people who've previously criticised the prime minister, some of their interventions were scathing. There was particular anger at...