Gordon Brown has defended Sir Keir Starmer as a “man of integrity” but acknowledged that the prime minister faces a “serious” battle to keep his job amid mounting scrutiny over the Peter Mandelson affair. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the former Labour leader said Starmer may have been “too slow to do the right things” and made a mistake in appointing Mandelson as ambassador to the United States.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that searches at two properties linked to Mandelson have concluded, but warned the investigation into alleged misconduct in public office would be “complex” and require significant further evidence gathering. The searches, executed in London and Wiltshire yesterday, are part of an ongoing probe that has intensified pressure on Starmer.
Green party leader Zack Polanski called for Starmer to resign, arguing the Mandelson scandal “erodes trust in politics”. Speaking during a byelection campaign event in Gorton and Denton, Polanski said the prime minister “needs to go” after showing “catastrophic misjudgment”. The Liberal Democrats have urged the Financial Conduct Authority to investigate Mandelson for potential insider trading, after reports he shared market-sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein.
In a separate development, Liberal Democrat peer Lord Chris Rennard has been suspended from the party following a review that found the 2013 inquiry into sexual harassment allegations against him was “flawed”. The party said it had received advice that the original investigation was inadequate.
Adrian Darbishire KC, a prominent corporate and finance lawyer, was seen visiting a house linked to Mandelson near Regent’s Park in London today. The Metropolitan Police had searched the same property yesterday. Darbishire declined to comment on whether he is representing Mandelson.
