Prime Minister Keir Starmer Faces Calls to Resign Over Peter Mandelson Vetting Failure
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has labelled it "staggering" that he, as prime minister, was not apprised of Lord Peter Mandelson failing initial security vetting checks. The revelation, detailed in a Guardian investigation, has prompted widespread calls for Sir Keir's resignation from opposition parties.
Lord Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the US in December 2024 proceeded despite the United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) service explicitly recommending against his approval. Sources indicate UKSV, acting on behalf of the Cabinet Office, presented the Foreign Office with a "no" recommendation following their assessment. The Foreign Office, uniquely among government departments, possesses the authority to overturn such a determination.
Sir Keir stated from Paris that his lack of knowledge, and that of any minister, regarding the vetting failure was "unforgivable." He committed to addressing Parliament on Monday to provide "all the relevant facts in true transparency."
Sir Olly Robbins, then head of the Foreign Office, was dismissed by Sir Keir on Thursday night. He is now expected to give evidence before Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday, though his formal acceptance of the invitation is pending. Friends of Sir Olly have questioned whether he saw the full "no" recommendation.
Lord Mandelson formally assumed his ambassadorial role in February 2025 and was removed seven months later due to his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has dismissed Sir Keir's explanation as "completely preposterous," asserting that "all roads lead to resignation." Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has also called for Sir Keir to step down and for a Privileges Committee investigation into whether he misled Parliament.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar reiterated his call for Sir Keir's resignation, branding Lord Mandelson a "traitor to his party and country." The SNP, Green Party, and Reform UK have also joined the chorus for the Prime Minister to resign.
