Mandelson Vetting Scandal Rocks Starmer

The political crisis surrounding Lord Mandelson's diplomatic appointment has intensified as Sir Olly Robbins gave evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Robbins claimed that Downing Street was 'dismissive' of security concerns related to Mandelson's ties to Jeffrey Epstein and ordered him to 'just f-ing approve' the role.

The testimony has led to calls for a vote of no confidence in Starmer's premiership from opposition leaders.

Further revelations suggest that Number 10 also sought a plum diplomatic posting for another aide, Matthew Doyle, who was later suspended from the Labour party.