Starmer faces Mandelson vetting crisis

The Prime Minister has expressed 'fury' over the situation, claiming he was never informed that MI6 and other security officials had recommended against Mandelson's clearance.

Opposition leaders, including Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage, have accused Starmer of either lying or extreme incompetence, demanding a full inquiry.

The Foreign Office is under intense scrutiny for its role in bypassing established national security protocols for the high-profile diplomatic post.

Sir Adrian Fulford, a retired High Court judge, has been commissioned to conduct a comprehensive review of the vetting system.