Keir Starmer’s allies in the Cabinet have come to his support as he confronts a crucial moment in the Commons regarding the Peter Mandelson vetting controversy. The Prime Minister, under pressure, is set to be questioned by Members of Parliament on Monday following the revelation that the former UK ambassador to Washington did not pass UK Security vetting.
Last week, Mr. Starmer dismissed the Foreign Office chief, Sir Olly Robbins, expressing anger at the department’s failure to inform No10 about Lord Mandelson’s vetting failure before granting him clearance. Liz Kendall, speaking on Sky News, criticized the Foreign Office boss for the oversight, stating that it was a significant error not to disclose the vetting outcome to Mr. Starmer or the then Foreign Secretary, David Lammy.
She emphasized that the PM would have revoked Lord Mandelson’s appointment if he had been aware of the vetting issue prior to the public announcement. When asked about her confidence in Mr. Starmer’s leadership for the upcoming election, Ms. Kendall affirmed her full support, praising his decisiveness and courage in crucial national decisions.
The Technology Secretary highlighted the error in not disclosing the vetting failure, asserting that Lord Mandelson would not have been appointed if this information had been known at the time. Deputy PM David Lammy also defended Mr. Starmer, criticizing the lack of transparency in informing Downing Street about Lord Mandelson’s failed vetting. He expressed certainty that the PM, had he been aware of the situation, would not have appointed Lord Mandelson as ambassador.
Meanwhile, the dismissed Foreign Office chief, Sir Olly Robbins, is scheduled to appear before the Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday to present his perspective on the matter. Former Foreign Office permanent secretary, Lord Simon McDonald, accused Sir Olly of being sacrificed by Number 10 without due process, fairness, or the opportunity to defend his position.
In an interview with the BBC, Lord McDonald highlighted the swift dismissal of Sir Olly following the news report, indicating a lack of procedural fairness and suggesting a rush to find a scapegoat.
