Mandelson Vetting Scandal Deepens

The scandal has placed Prime Minister Keir Starmer under significant political strain, with opposition leaders calling for his resignation.

Sir Olly Robbins, who was dismissed last week, told the Foreign Affairs Committee that there was a 'very strong expectation' to install Mandelson in Washington as quickly as possible.

Starmer has maintained he was kept in the dark about the failed vetting process, but Robbins' account suggests the Prime Minister's office was actively involved in bypassing standard protocols.

Further revelations indicate that Number 10 also sought a plum diplomatic role for former communications chief Matthew Doyle, raising broader questions about cronyism.