Former chief of staff at Number 10, Morgan McSweeney, informed Members of Parliament that he did not instruct officials to disregard protocols during the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the US ambassador. McSweeney, who resigned due to the Mandelson scandal in February, acknowledged that the decision was a grave misjudgment but refuted claims of tampering with the vetting process.
During his appearance before the select committee, McSweeney used a striking metaphor to describe his reaction upon seeing images of Mandelson with Epstein, likening it to a profound emotional impact. This revelation follows concerns raised by a former Foreign Office chief regarding Mandelson’s association with Jeffrey Epstein.
Sir Philip Barton disclosed that Mandelson’s selection as US ambassador was known to him days before Keir Starmer officially announced it. The upcoming Commons vote on referring the Prime Minister to a parliamentary sleaze inquiry is anticipated, amidst criticism from opposition leaders.
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey, while addressing the Commons, criticized Starmer’s handling of the situation but also condemned Kemi Badenoch’s dismissal of the Partygate scandal as exaggerated, highlighting perceived hypocrisy within the government.
In a related development, suspended Labour MP Karl Turner suggested that Starmer should have self-referred to the privileges committee to avoid the ongoing debate and vote. Turner expressed confidence in the Prime Minister’s innocence and exoneration if such a step had been taken.
Furthermore, McSweeney clarified to the Foreign Affairs Committee that he did not intentionally mislead authorities about his location when his government phone was stolen. He explained the circumstances surrounding the incident, attributing any discrepancies to the adrenaline rush and stress of the situation.
Regarding the appointment process of Mandelson as US ambassador, McSweeney detailed the considerations and rationale behind the decision, emphasizing the need for a US trade deal post-Brexit. He emphasized that while he believed Mandelson was the right choice based on his experience, the vetting procedures were crucial for national security.
In response to queries about his communication practices, McSweeney admitted to using disappearing messages on WhatsApp but denied any deliberate concealment of information. He expressed regret over the lapses in judgment but asserted that the system should not rely solely on one advisor’s advice.
In conclusion, McSweeney expressed remorse for the repercussions of the Mandelson appointment, highlighting the importance of accountability in public service and acknowledging his role in the situation. He emphasized the need for robust processes to prevent such errors in the future.
