Keir Starmer has expressed outrage over the failure to inform him that Peter Mandelson did not pass his security vetting prior to his appointment as the ambassador to Washington. The Prime Minister described the situation as “unforgivable” and conveyed his anger, stating he was unaware that security officials had initially advised against granting Mandelson clearance.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the Guardian reported on the issue, Starmer remarked, “It is astonishing that I was not made aware of Peter Mandelson’s failed security vetting at the time of his appointment. It is inexcusable that I was not informed of this while I assured Parliament that all due processes had been adhered to. Not only was I left in the dark, but no minister received this information, and I am absolutely furious about it.”
The Prime Minister faces mounting pressure to clarify who was informed about Mandelson’s vetting status after the Guardian disclosed that he had not passed the necessary checks. Mandelson’s appointment in late 2024 raised concerns among senior government officials regarding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, even after Epstein’s conviction for child trafficking.
Starmer dismissed Mandelson from his position last year following the release of emails by the U.S. Department of Justice, which revealed Mandelson’s close association with Epstein, including instances where he allegedly shared sensitive governmental information during his tenure under Gordon Brown. Mandelson has denied any misconduct.
According to sources cited by the Guardian, security officials initially recommended against granting Mandelson security clearance; however, this decision was overturned. The identity of the individual who authorized the clearance remains unclear. In response to the controversy, Starmer dismissed Olly Robbins, the highest-ranking civil servant in the Foreign Office, on Thursday evening.
On Monday, Starmer is scheduled to address Members of Parliament to provide a comprehensive account of the situation and his knowledge of the events. He stated on Friday, “I plan to go before Parliament on Monday to present all pertinent facts transparently, ensuring that Parliament has a complete understanding of the circumstances.”
Starmer has been accused of misleading Parliament, as he consistently assured MPs that “full due process” was observed prior to Mandelson’s appointment. In February, he also indicated to reporters that “security vetting was conducted independently by the security services, an extensive process that granted [Lord Mandelson] clearance for the role.”
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, has called for Starmer’s resignation over the issue, asserting, “It is utterly absurd to think that civil servants would have cleared a political appointee who did not pass security vetting.”
Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has urged that Starmer be investigated by the Commons privileges committee, which had previously led to Boris Johnson’s resignation as an MP for misleading Parliament.
