British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting political pressure after revelations that a former ambassador to the United States was appointed despite failing security vetting checks, triggering calls for his resignation.
The UK government confirmed that Peter Mandelson, who later lost his position, had not passed required security clearance before assuming the diplomatic role. The controversy deepened after Starmer said Mandelson misrepresented the extent of his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Officials indicated that Starmer had not been informed that Foreign Office authorities overruled the negative vetting recommendation. In the fallout, senior civil servant Olly Robbins is expected to step down after reportedly losing the prime minister’s confidence.
Opposition leaders have intensified criticism, with Ed Davey arguing that responsibility ultimately lies with Starmer.
“I don’t think the prime minister can get out of his responsibility by sacking Olly Robbins. The buck has to stop with Mr. Starmer,” Davey said, adding that the prime minister may have misled parliament and the public.
Starmer has issued an apology over the appointment but defended his conduct, blaming Mandelson for what he described as a “litany of deceit” regarding his Epstein links. He has pledged to release documents detailing how the appointment was handled.
Senior minister Darren Jones told LBC that Starmer was “furious” about not being informed of the failed vetting and would address parliament on Monday. Jones maintained that while procedures were followed, they were flawed, and insisted the controversy does not threaten the prime minister’s position.
Meanwhile, Mandelson is under police investigation over allegations that he leaked government documents to Epstein. He has yet to comment publicly, and his lawyer has declined to address questions surrounding the vetting process.
