Mandelson vetting scandal hits Starmer

The UK government is embroiled in a leadership crisis after it emerged that the Foreign Office overruled a recommendation to deny Peter Mandelson security clearance.

Sir Keir Starmer has described the failure to inform him of the vetting results as 'staggering' and 'unforgivable.' Opposition leaders have accused the Prime Minister of a cover-up and are demanding a full investigation into the appointment process.

The scandal has led to the exit of Sir Olly Robbins, though allies suggest he is being used as a scapegoat for political failures.