Keir Starmer continues to be haunted by the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as Britain's envoy to Washington, a move that has triggered a political crisis just weeks before crucial local elections. Despite being sacked over seven months ago, the fallout from Mandelson's appointment shows no signs of abating.
Vetting Revelations Rock No10
Explosive testimony from former Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins has laid bare the chaos inside Downing Street. Sir Olly claimed that Number 10 was dismissive of the security vetting process for Lord Mandelson, with some officials believing no check was necessary. He also did not dismiss allegations that Morgan McSweeney, the PM's former chief of staff, pressured officials to 'just f***ing approve' the appointment. McSweeney has denied this.
The revelations have left Labour MPs reeling, with many expressing dismay at what they see as a 'jobs for the boys' culture. One backbencher told The Mirror: 'I don't think Keir is dishonest, but he gave the boys club too much leeway. Knocking on doors is going to be miserable over the next few weeks.'
PM Under Fire at PMQs
Facing opposition calls to resign at Prime Minister's Questions, Starmer defiantly stated: 'Whatever she says, whatever noise they make, nothing is going to distract me from delivering for our country.' However, the damage may already be done, with Labour MPs bracing for a grim set of local election results on May 7.
The crisis deepened when it emerged that the PM sacked Sir Olly for failing to inform him that security officials had advised against granting Mandelson clearance. Cabinet allies Pat McFadden and Ed Miliband have publicly distanced themselves from the decision, signaling internal discord.
What Next for Starmer?
Next week could prove even more challenging, with Morgan McSweeney and former Foreign Office chief Sir Philip Barton set to give evidence on the vetting saga. There are also rumblings that Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle may allow a vote on whether to refer the PM to the Commons Privileges Committee for potentially misleading Parliament.
Despite the turmoil, Labour MPs acknowledge that a leadership challenge is unlikely due to the lack of a viable successor. Potential candidates like Angela Rayner, Andy Burnham, and Wes Streeting all face significant obstacles. One MP noted: 'If this was the Tory party, they'd have got rid of him in November.'
Another urged Starmer to adopt a bolder approach: 'He's got nothing to lose. Why not go for it now, really go for it with some bold policy, and at least go out swinging, rather than whatever this is.'
As the local elections approach, the PM's handling of the Mandelson affair will be under intense scrutiny. The public's verdict will become clear on May 8, when the results are tallied.
