London, United Kingdom. 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 officials’ response
The government confirmed on Thursday that Peter 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, Ollie Robbins, would leave his role after losing Starmer’s confidence.
Opposition calls for resignation
Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey told BBC Radio that he did not think Starmer could avoid responsibility by removing Robbins.
Davey said the evidence suggested Starmer misled the House of Commons and the public, and said this was why his party had called for him to resign.
Starmer’s response and planned disclosures
Starmer has previously apologised for the appointment but defended his own actions. He accused Mandelson of creating a “litany of deceit” about the strength of his relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and said documents on how Mandelson was appointed would be released.
Minister’s comments and parliamentary update
Senior minister Darren Jones told LBC that Starmer was “furious” at not being told Mandelson had failed security vetting and would update parliament on Monday.
Jones said Starmer had not misled parliament and that the process was followed, but was flawed. He said he did not think the issue brought the prime minister’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 comment on Thursday about the vetting process.
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