Mandelson Vetting Scandal Intensifies

Cabinet Office permanent secretary Cat Little told MPs that she was forced to contact a private vetting firm directly after Robbins withheld the peer's security files.

The scandal centers on allegations that Mandelson failed security checks due to his historical links to Jeffrey Epstein, yet was appointed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer regardless.

Cabinet divisions are reportedly growing as ministers struggle to defend the administration's handling of the process.

Starmer has dismissed the allegations as political attacks, insisting that 'due process' was followed.