Starmer Denies Knowledge of Mandelson's Failed Security Vetting in Escalating Scandal
Keir Starmer has asserted that he was never informed that Peter Mandelson initially failed his security vetting process, a revelation that has ignited a fierce political outcry and calls for his resignation. The Guardian disclosed that Mandelson, a New Labour veteran, was denied clearance by UK Security Vetting (UKSV) for his appointment as US ambassador, only for the Foreign Office to overrule this decision, allowing him to take up the post. This controversy has unfolded over months, exposing deep flaws in the vetting system and raising questions about accountability at the highest levels of government.
Timeline of Mandelson's Controversial Appointment and Fallout
The saga began with Labour's landslide election victory on 4 July 2024, engineered by Mandelson's protege Morgan McSweeney. From July to December 2024, Mandelson courted ministers in the new government, exchanging friendly WhatsApp messages with health secretary Wes Streeting. On 20 December 2024, despite known links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and past resignations, Mandelson was appointed US ambassador, reportedly after McSweeney persuaded Starmer over initial preference George Osborne.
Weeks later, on 28 January 2025, Mandelson was denied clearance by UKSV, a rare outright denial. By 30 January 2025, the Foreign Office overruled this, confirming his security clearance, with suspicions pointing to sacked permanent secretary Olly Robbins. The controversy deepened on 2 September 2025 when Epstein files revealed Mandelson's close relationship, including emails where he called Epstein "my best pal" and urged him to "fight for early release" during charges. Starmer initially resisted calls to sack him, defending Mandelson in the Commons on 10 September 2025, but fired him a day later after further revelations.
Vetting Process Under Scrutiny and Political Repercussions
Throughout this period, the vetting process was repeatedly questioned. On 11 September 2025, Downing Street claimed vetting was done "in normal way," while a joint letter from Robbins and foreign secretary Yvette Cooper on 16 September 2025 asserted it was conducted to "usual standard." Robbins later told a committee on 3 November 2025 that the "prime minister wanted to make this appointment," hinting at political pressure. More Epstein files released on 30 January 2026 showed Mandelson passed market-sensitive information and urged threats over banker bonuses, intensifying scrutiny.
Starmer maintained on 5 February 2026 that vetting cleared Mandelson, calling for a review of due diligence. McSweeney resigned as chief of staff on 8 February 2026, taking blame for advising the appointment. Documents released on 11 March 2026 revealed national security adviser Jonathan Powell described the appointment as "weirdly rushed," and Mandelson sought over £500,000 in severance. The Guardian's revelation on 16 April 2026 that Mandelson failed vetting and it was overruled led to No 10 pleading ignorance, forcing Robbins out. Starmer expressed fury on 17 April 2026, calling it "staggering" he wasn't informed, with a review by retired judge Adrian Fulford expected.
This scandal has not only damaged Starmer's leadership but also highlighted systemic issues in national security vetting, with ongoing investigations likely to shape political discourse for months to come.
