Starmer Left in Dark Over Mandelson's Vetting Failure by Senior Officials
Keir Starmer was kept unaware of sensitive information regarding Peter Mandelson's security vetting by two top civil servants, including the head of the civil service, according to exclusive revelations. The prime minister expressed outrage on Friday, labeling the delay as "unforgivable" and "staggering" that he was not notified about Mandelson's failed vetting process weeks before his appointment as ambassador to Washington.
Internal Delays and Expedited Checks
Antonia Romeo, the cabinet secretary, and Catherine Little, the permanent secretary at the Cabinet Office, have been aware of the vetting failure since March. However, they did not immediately inform Starmer, who only learned of the issue this week. The Cabinet Office defends the delay, stating that civil servants were engaged in "expedited checks" to ensure the prime minister was informed as quickly as possible, though this process took weeks.
Downing Street confirmed that Starmer discovered the vetting failure, which occurred in January 2025, on Tuesday. This delay has sparked concerns about whether the government is being managed by mandarins rather than ministers, highlighting potential transparency issues within the administration.
Controversy Over Document Disclosure
At the heart of the controversy is a summary document from UK Security Vetting (UKSV), dated 28 January last year, which recommended denying Mandelson security clearance due to highly sensitive concerns. This recommendation was overruled by the Foreign Office, leading to Mandelson's appointment. Officials have spent weeks debating whether to release this document to the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), with some arguing it could prejudice national security.
A government source insisted that Little did not withhold information but was assessing risks in sharing sensitive details. Romeo supported this approach, but the prolonged discussions among officials have raised questions about internal consensus and potential cover-ups.
Political and Parliamentary Implications
The delay in notification and the debate over document disclosure have political ramifications. Darren Jones, a close ally of Starmer, faced scrutiny after comments on the BBC's Today programme regarding transparency. Downing Street has since published a summary of the meeting where Starmer was informed, emphasizing his lack of prior knowledge.
Key points from the ongoing situation include:
- Starmer's frustration over being kept uninformed about vetting failures.
- Internal divisions among officials on releasing sensitive documents to the ISC.
- Concerns about government transparency and the influence of civil servants.
This incident underscores broader issues in security vetting processes and the need for timely communication within government ranks. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and adherence to parliamentary motions for transparency.
