5 Pressing Questions For Starmer As Mandelson's Vetting Ignites Fresh Row

What on earth is going on?

Political Correspondent

The Peter Mandelson scandal has returned to haunt Keir Starmer once again after fresh details about the ex-ambassador’s security vetting were revealed.

It appears security officials advised against appointing the former Labour peer to be the UK’s attache to Washington.

But, according to the government, the Foreign Office overrode those concerns and granted Mandelson vetted status anyway.

This has caused a fresh row over how much the prime minister knew – and when. He has since fired the top Foreign Office official in a bid to get ahead of the row.

Still, his political opponents have accused him of misleading the Commons by vowing “due process” was followed in appointing Mandelson.

Critics claim this strengthens the argument for Starmer to step down – even as the May elections approach.

But first, let’s recap...

Why Is Peter Mandelson’s Appointment Such A Big Deal?

Mandelson, a former minister under New Labour and later spin doctor, was announced as Starmer’s pick to be the UK’s ambassador to the US in late 2024.

Government files have since proven Starmer was warned that his choice to fill the ambassador role with a political appointment rather than a career diplomat could make the PM himself more exposed.

A due diligence report from December 2024 also shows Starmer was warned........

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