Opposition Leaders Demand Starmer's Resignation Over Vetting Scandal
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has called for a powerful Commons committee to investigate whether Prime Minister Keir Starmer misled parliament regarding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington. Davey specifically requested the privileges committee examine whether Starmer committed contempt of parliament, an offense that could potentially lead to ministerial resignation.
Mounting Pressure on the Prime Minister
The prime minister faces increasing pressure to clarify his knowledge of the pre-appointment process after revelations that security officials recommended denying Mandelson security clearance, only to be overruled. On Thursday night, Starmer dismissed Olly Robbins, the most senior civil servant at the Foreign Office, while on Friday morning, Darren Jones, the prime minister's chief secretary, described the controversy as a "failing of the state."
"We need to get to the bottom of exactly what Keir Starmer knew when, and whether he intentionally misled parliament over this appalling scandal," Davey declared on Friday. "The public deserves the truth, not another cover-up. If it turns out that Starmer was aware at the time that Mandelson's security vetting was overruled, that would represent a major abuse of power and a betrayal of the national interest."
Davey drew parallels with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's resignation after misleading parliament, stating: "Boris Johnson eventually resigned after misleading parliament. If Starmer has done the same, he must be held to the same standard." The Liberal Democrats plan to push for a Commons debate on Monday to initiate a privileges committee inquiry.
Downing Street's Defense and Opposition Criticism
Downing Street maintains that Starmer only learned this week about Mandelson's failed security vetting. The prime minister is scheduled to appear before parliament on Monday to present his account of events. However, opposition leaders remain skeptical.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressed disbelief in the prime minister's denials, telling BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "It is completely preposterous for us to believe that civil servants would have cleared a political appointee who had failed security vetting. We would not have found out about this if not for the Guardian. So I'm afraid the story does not stack up. The prime minister is taking us for fools."
Badenoch joined other opposition MPs in demanding Starmer's immediate resignation. Green Party MP Siân Berry stated: "Keir Starmer has lied and lied again over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson and he must resign. Starmer told parliament 'due process' had been followed. This report makes clear that was untrue."
Internal Concerns and Government Response
Jones told Sky News on Friday: "The prime minister is as furious as everybody else, because he would expect ... to have been told that UK security vetting did not recommend Peter Mandelson to be appointed. He's furious with the state. I mean, this is a failing of the state. It is a security failing."
The chief secretary revealed he had suspended the power of civil servants to override vetting officials' recommendations, expressing astonishment that such authority existed. Meanwhile, Labour MPs privately warned that Starmer's political future depends on what additional evidence emerges regarding whether the Foreign Office acted independently.
One backbencher cautioned: "Hard to see how this isn't terminal if the PM knew," while another questioned the credibility of No. 10's claims of ignorance, stating: "No 10 is telling everyone they didn't know. This is not credible and no one will believe them unless they produce receipts and sack Olly Robbins." A third MP described the notion that Starmer was unaware as "stretching beyond credulity."
Emily Thornberry, Labour chair of the foreign affairs select committee, indicated her committee would summon Robbins before his dismissal to determine whether he misled MPs. "My committee asked several times whether red flags had been raised by Peter Mandelson's vetting process. It seems there were," she noted. "Who overrode these concerns? Why were we kept in the dark? People need to stop messing us about and tell us the truth."
As the scandal intensifies, Starmer's Monday parliamentary appearance becomes increasingly critical, with opposition leaders united in their demand for transparency and accountability regarding the controversial appointment process.
