House of Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle faced a no confidence motion signed by some 59 MPs in a neutrality row over a Gaza ceasefire vote.
He was under pressure over his handling of a tinderbox debate on an SNP motion that resulted in the passing of a Labour amendment - potentially helping Sir Keir Starmer head-off a rebellion among his own MPs.
Chaos descended on the chamber as the motion was approved, with Scottish National Party and Conservative MPs walking out in protest.
It came as crowds of protesters outside beamed pro-Palestine slogans on to Big Ben.
Sir Lindsay said his actions were meant to help protect the safety of a number of MPs being targeted by activists.