'It is gravely concerning that the Prime Minister misled the House of Commons' claims Harrogate's MP

Speaking after MPs in the House of Commons voted 335 to 223 against a Conservative-led motion which sought to have the matter referred to the Privileges Committee for misleading Parliament, Mr Gordon said he has voted in favour.

“Whether intentional or otherwise, it is gravely concerning that the Prime Minister misled the House,” said the Liberal Democrat MP.

“I am also deeply disappointed that Labour whipped MPs to vote against.

"This should have been a free vote, allowing them to use their conscience instead of toeing the party line.”

Sir Keir Starmer has denied accusations he misled MPs over whether vetting for the role of US ambassador followed "full due process" and his assertion that "no pressure whatsoever" was applied to officials at the Foreign Office.

While the Prime Minister has apologised for the appointment of Peter Mandelson, the Lib Dems have pointed to the conflicting accounts from Starmer and senior civil servants on the matter, arguing that the public deserves to know that facts.

“If he truly felt his conduct over the Mandelson scandal was up to scratch he should have undergone investigation by the Privileges Committee” said a party source.

If the vote had been different, the result would have seen the matter investigated by the same committee which found Boris Johnson had misled the House during the Partygate scandal.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon condemned the PM’s conduct, saying “It’s a cowardly way to govern. The public deserve better.”

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

In total, 14 Labour MPs rebelled on the Conservatives’ motion.

Sir Keir Starmer has denied accusations he misled MPs when he said the vetting of Lord Mandelson for the role of US ambassador had followed "full due process".