Voters support an inquiry into whether Sir Keir Starmer misled parliament over the appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador by a margin of three to one, according to a new poll. The finding adds to mounting pressure on the prime minister, who faces a potential parliamentary privileges committee investigation.
Rebellion in the Ranks
In Tuesday's Commons debate, some Labour MPs either abstained or defied the whip to vote for a probe, reflecting growing disillusionment with Starmer's leadership. Opposition parties have accused the prime minister of misleading MPs about the process that led to Mandelson taking the Washington job.
Starmer's Account Under Scrutiny
Starmer has admitted making a "mistake" in appointing Mandelson despite knowing of his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. However, it was Morgan McSweeney and Sir Olly Robbins who lost their jobs over the affair, not the prime minister. Critics argue that others have paid for Starmer's blunder.
The prime minister told the Commons that "no pressure existed whatsoever" to expedite Mandelson's appointment, but McSweeney later admitted pressuring the Foreign Office. Starmer also claimed that "full due process was followed," but evidence suggests Downing Street ignored advice to obtain security clearance before announcing the role.
Conflicting Evidence
Sir Philip Barton, former head of the Foreign Office, testified that he had deep reservations about Mandelson's Epstein ties but was presented with a fait accompli by No 10. Meanwhile, Foreign Office security director Ian Collard claimed the UK Security Vetting agency's final assessment was "borderline," contradicting Starmer's assertion that clearance "should be denied."
The foreign affairs committee is now investigating, with more documents expected. The prime minister's survival may hinge on the upcoming May elections.
