Labour MPs condemn No 10’s culture after a senior civil servant said he was pressured to approve Peter Mandelson’s US role. The row has triggered cabinet anger, calls for transparency in appointments, and questions over the PM’s judgement and No 10’s working practices.
Sir Olly Robbins says No10, via the PM’s ex‑chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, pressured the Foreign Office to approve Peter Mandelson as US ambassador despite concerns. The proposed appointment drew backlash, with Donald Trump calling it a bad pick.
Ministers are distancing themselves from the PM after claims he pressured officials to secure Lord Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington. No 10 denies misconduct, but scrutiny of the vetting process is intensifying, raising questions over propriety and authority.
Calls grow for Morrisons to reinstate store manager Sean Egan, dismissed after confronting an alleged repeat shoplifter. Ex-staff praise his record, while senior politicians argue retailers should back employees protecting customers and goods. The company is under pressure to review the decision.
Pressure grows on the PM over the Mandelson vetting row after a dismissed civil servant told MPs No 10 fostered a pressurised atmosphere and was dismissive of warnings. Senior Labour figures, including Ed Miliband and Yvette Cooper, signalled dissent and urged Cabinet action.
A sacked vetting chief told MPs he faced “constant pressure” to clear Lord Mandelson for a proposed US ambassador role, saying there was a push to approve it before a presidential inauguration. The claim intensifies scrutiny of the PM’s handling of the process.
Sir Olly Robbins says No 10 pressured him to clear a role for Peter Mandelson, which he approved “under duress”. The claim intensifies scrutiny of Starmer and raises questions about the propriety and independence of the government appointments vetting process.
At an MPs hearing, ex-Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins said No 10 pressed officials to push through vetting and an ambassador role for a politically connected figure, contradicting the PM. Senior ministers voiced concern, while No 10 said the proper process was followed.
Former FO chief Sir Olly Robbins told MPs No 10 pressed officials to secure an ambassadorship for Matthew Doyle and to fast-track Peter Mandelson’s posting to Washington, while asking him not to brief David Lammy. Doyle later lost the Labour whip over links to an individual convicted of abuse.
No.10 is under scrutiny for reportedly exploring an ambassador‑style role for a peer previously removed over links to an individual convicted of abuse. The row intensifies questions about appointments and vetting, piling pressure on the PM and prompting calls for full transparency.
The PM condemned senior officials for not telling him Peter Mandelson failed security vetting before being lined up for a top role. He apologised again for the appointment. A sacked mandarin will give evidence to MPs, while No10 says it is refocusing on tackling the cost of living.
The PM is accused of pressuring the Foreign Office to clear Lord Mandelson for a senior post despite vetting concerns. A sacked civil servant says the appointment was forced through and risks were downplayed. No 10 rejects wrongdoing and faces demands for transparency.
Starmer admits he was wrong to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador but refuses to resign. He blames civil service vetting, alleging a deliberate cover‑up. MPs challenge his account, with Badenoch leading criticism and urging him to take responsibility.
Keir Starmer is at odds with ex-senior official Olly Robbins over the vetting of Peter Mandelson for a senior post. Starmer says key concerns from checks were kept from him and now calls the appointment a mistake. Robbins, recently dismissed, is preparing to challenge this.
Facing jeers in the Commons, the PM said the Mandelson affair “beggars belief”, accusing the Foreign Office of a cover‑up. He insisted No10 was not told that a former US ambassador failed security vetting for a senior post, and pledged full disclosure and investigations.
The PM conceded Peter Mandelson’s vetting was mishandled, saying officials failed to pass on key information. Conservatives accused him of blame‑shifting, increasing pressure on his leadership and prompting scrutiny of No 10’s appointments process.
The PM says he unknowingly gave incorrect information and blames Foreign Office officials amid a vetting row linked to Peter Mandelson, prompting scrutiny of oversight of appointments and who is really in charge.
The PM says officials repeatedly hid that Peter Mandelson failed security vetting for the Washington ambassador role, calling it an “unforgivable” cover‑up. He sacked Sir Olly Robbins, who faces MPs and is negotiating his exit. Starmer denies misleading Parliament or breaching the ministerial code, rejecting calls to resign.
Starmer says officials deliberately withheld information about Mandelson’s vetting before his proposed posting to Washington. He faced a tough Commons session, ordered an inquiry, and the sacked FCDO chief will testify, amid unease on Labour’s benches.
The PM faces calls to quit amid claims of a cover‑up over the Mandelson vetting row. He told MPs civil servants’ actions were “staggering” and denied wrongdoing, while opponents, including Kemi Badenoch, say he breached the ministerial code and must take responsibility.