Mandelson vetting scandal threatens Starmer

The controversy surrounding Lord Mandelson's vetting has escalated into a major political crisis for the Labour government.

Cabinet Office permanent secretary Cat Little told MPs that she informed the Prime Minister of concerns raised by vetting officials before the appointment was announced.

However, the revelation that former Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins allegedly refused to hand over critical documents has fueled accusations of a cover-up.

Opposition parties are now calling for a formal inquiry by the Privileges Committee to determine if Starmer misled Parliament about the extent of the vetting failures.