Starmer faces Mandelson vetting scandal

The political crisis surrounding Lord Mandelson's appointment has deepened as Downing Street confirmed the peer failed developed vetting checks.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has denied prior knowledge of the failed screening, despite previously assuring Parliament that full due process was followed.

Opposition leaders have accused the Prime Minister of duplicity, while senior Foreign Office official Sir Olly Robbins has effectively been sacked to contain the fallout.

The scandal centers on Mandelson's historical links to Jeffrey Epstein and his prior business interests in China and Russia.