London, United Kingdom. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced renewed calls from political opponents to resign after it emerged that his former ambassador to the United States failed security vetting but was still allowed to take up the job.
Government confirmation and claims of overruled vetting
The government said on Thursday that Mandelson had failed his security vetting before taking up the role. It said Starmer was unaware that officials in the foreign office had overruled the vetting recommendation.
A source said the most senior official at the foreign ministry, Olly Robbins, would leave his role after losing Starmer’s confidence.
Opposition calls for resignation
Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey told BBC Radio he did not think Starmer could avoid responsibility by removing Robbins.
Davey said the evidence suggested Starmer had misled the House of Commons and the public, adding that this was why his party had called for him to resign.
Starmer response and planned release of documents
Starmer has previously apologised for the appointment but defended his actions, accusing Mandelson of creating a “litany of deceit” about his ties to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer has also promised to release documents on how Mandelson was appointed.
The government said Mandelson was fired after Starmer said he had lied about the strength of his relationship with Epstein.
Minister says Starmer was not informed
Senior minister Darren Jones told LBC that Starmer was “furious” at not being told Mandelson had failed security vetting, and said Starmer would update parliament on Monday.
Jones said Starmer had not misled parliament and that the process had been followed, but was flawed. Jones said he did not think the issue brought Starmer’s future into question.
Police investigation
Mandelson is under police investigation for allegedly leaking government documents to Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson has not commented publicly on the allegations, and a lawyer for Mandelson did not provide a comment on Thursday about the vetting process.
What do you think the government should do to address concerns about the security vetting process?
