Keir Starmer’s Cabinet allies have come to his support amid a crucial moment in Parliament regarding the Peter Mandelson vetting controversy. The Prime Minister is under scrutiny from MPs after revelations that the former UK ambassador to Washington did not pass UK Security vetting.
Recently, Mr. Starmer dismissed Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins, expressing anger over the department’s failure to inform No10 about Lord Mandelson’s unsuccessful vetting. Liz Kendall described the Foreign Office boss’s omission as a “serious mistake” for not informing Mr. Starmer or then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy about Lord Mandelson’s vetting failure.
Ms. Kendall affirmed her full confidence in Mr. Starmer’s leadership, emphasizing his decisiveness and courage in critical national decisions. She highlighted the Prime Minister’s correct judgment on significant matters, such as abstaining from involvement in the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
The Tech Secretary criticized the failure to disclose Lord Mandelson’s vetting outcome, stating that he would not have been appointed if the information had been known at the time. Deputy PM Mr. Lammy also defended Mr. Starmer, questioning why Downing Street was unaware of Lord Mandelson’s vetting status.
As dismissed Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins prepares to testify before the Foreign Affairs Committee, former permanent secretary Lord Simon McDonald criticized the Prime Minister’s handling of the situation. He expressed concern that Sir Olly was swiftly dismissed without a fair process, suggesting a rushed decision by No10.
The unfolding events reflect a challenging period for Mr. Starmer’s administration, with key figures facing scrutiny and questions about transparency and decision-making processes.