A former Labour minister has launched a blistering attack on Sir Keir Starmer's handling of the Peter Mandelson vetting scandal, describing the dismissal of a senior civil servant as "wholly unacceptable".
MacShane condemns Robbins dismissal
Denis MacShane, who served as Europe minister under Tony Blair, said he had never witnessed such a significant "fallout" between a prime minister and senior civil servants. He described the public dismissal of Sir Olly Robbins, the former head of the Foreign Office, as "career-destroying" and called for a full inquiry.
"This is wholly unacceptable," MacShane said. "To humiliate a senior civil servant in this way, over what appears to be a political decision, undermines the integrity of the civil service."
McSweeney denies bullying claims
Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keir Starmer's former chief of staff, has denied allegations that he bullied civil servants into approving Lord Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador. McSweeney, who resigned earlier this year over his involvement in the affair, said he "does not recognise" claims of "constant pressure" on the Foreign Office to fast-track vetting.
In testimony, Sir Olly Robbins claimed that Number 10 took a "dismissive" approach to the vetting process and wanted Lord Mandelson in Washington as quickly as possible. Sir Keir Starmer has accused his opponents of orchestrating a "politically motivated smear campaign" against him.
The scandal has raised serious questions about the relationship between the prime minister and his top officials, with Labour figures calling for transparency and accountability. The government has refused to comment on ongoing internal investigations.
