Mandelson vetting scandal threatens Starmer

The burgeoning 'Mandelson crisis' has plunged the Labour government into a defensive posture as calls for transparency mount in the House of Commons.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has attempted to shield Starmer, arguing the PM would have blocked the appointment had he been informed of the vetting results.

However, the sacking of Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins has further fueled allegations of administrative dysfunction and scapegoating.

Conservatives have now set a deadline for the release of all vetting documents, threatening a Privileges Committee investigation into the matter.