Salford’s MPs were among those taking part in a Commons vote on whether the Prime Minister Keir Starmer should face a formal investigation over the appointment of Peter Mandelson.

The vote came after opposition parties pushed for the issue to be referred to the Privileges Committee, arguing there were still questions about how Mandelson was vetted for the Washington role and whether Parliament had been fully informed during the process.

Mandelson, a senior Labour figure and former cabinet minister, returned to frontline politics with the high-profile diplomatic posting. His appointment has drawn criticism partly because of past links to Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson has said he regrets any association with Epstein and has denied any wrongdoing, but opponents said the connection should have been more clearly addressed as part of the vetting process.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch tabled a motion which sought to have the PM’s remarks assessed by the cross-party committee responsible for looking into cases of MPs breaking parliamentary rules.

The Ministerial Code states that ministers who knowingly mislead Parliament are expected to resign, while any inadvertent error should be corrected “at the earliest opportunity”.

This evening, MPs voted 335 to 223 against launching an inquiry, meaning the matter will not be investigated further by Parliament.

Locally In Salford, Rebecca Long-Bailey voted in favour of an investigation.

Meanwhile, Worsley & Eccles MP Michael Wheeler did not vote, meaning there is no recorded position for him on the proposal.