Keir Starmer has been urged by a top Tory MP to launch an investigation into himself as a row over lockdown rules continues to rage on.
Speaking on GB News, Shadow Paymaster General Richard Holden called for the unprecedented move, saying the prime minister would be guilty of hypocrisy if he fails to do so.
Starmer has denied breaking Covid lockdown rules after revelations emerged about a voice coaching session at Labour headquarters during strict tier restrictions in December 2020.
Holden has written to the PM demanding answers about the potential breach, and he revealed on GB News he is yet to receive a response.
Richard Holden hit out at Sir Keir Starmer
PARLIAMENT / GB NEWS
The former Conservative Party chairman said he wants to see Starmer call an investigation into himself.
“To me, this story has a long way to run”, he told Martin Daubney.
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Keir Starmer was leader of the opposition at the time PARLIAMENT.TV“There are some really serious questions for Keir Starmer. You could see just how uncomfortable he was in Brussels yesterday trying to sideswipe those questions from journalists.
“He seems to have been a bit teflon. Whatever seems to stick to others doesn’t seem to stick to him.
“I think it’s about time the prime minister calls for an investigation, just like he called an investigation into Boris Johnson.”
A Labour spokesman maintained that "the rules were followed at all times" during the December 2020 meeting.
Richard Holden wants Keir Starmer to call an investigation into himself
GB NEWS
When asked if Starmer still uses a voice coach, the spokesperson replied: “Not that I’m aware of.”
While Leader of the Opposition in 2022, Starmer demanded Boris Johnson’s resignation after details emerged about the former prime minister’s attendance at lockdown rule-breaking parties.
Holden said the PM is guilty of hypocrisy as a result and should be subject to intense scrutiny as a result.
Health Minister Karyn Smith defended Starmer this morning on GB News, saying he was carrying out vital work in the lead-up to Brexit negotiations.
“My understanding is…Keir was working at that time, preparing for interviews and so on in the run up to, I believe it's 2020, wasn't it?”, she said.
“So, the run up to those Brexit discussions and leaving and interviews for that, and that was a working event at the time when we know that what the Tories were doing, partying, that's well documented.
“It's a sad and sorry tale of that time and I think this is more mudslinging on their behalf.”
Asked if he should resign, during a discussion during Breakfast with Eamonn Holmes and Ellie Costello, she said: “I think this is all hypothetical and speculation.
“It's the same MP that started that last investigation that is starting this one. We want to get on with changing the country.
“That's why I'm here today, talking about cancer that affects two in one, one into two. Half of us are going to get cancer. Some of us have had a diagnosis of cancer in the last year.
“I think that's what the country wants us to get on with. That's what care is focused on, the future, getting us treated, getting us through those waiting lists faster.
“Those are the things that are really occupying us at this time.”
