Starmer Under Fire as Opposition Demands Inquiry Over Mandelson Appointment
Keir Starmer is facing intense pressure to resign as opposition leaders call for a powerful Commons committee to investigate whether he misled parliament over the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington. The Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey, has demanded that the privileges committee examine whether the prime minister committed contempt of parliament, an offence that can force a ministerial resignation.
Security Vetting Override Sparks Political Storm
The scandal erupted after the Guardian revealed that security officials had recommended denying Peter Mandelson security clearance, but their advice was overruled. Starmer has insisted he was unaware of this override until this week, but opposition figures have dismissed his denials as implausible. On Thursday night, the prime minister sacked Olly Robbins, the most senior civil servant at the Foreign Office, in a move seen as an attempt to contain the fallout.
Darren Jones, the prime minister's chief secretary, described the controversy as a "failing of the state" and revealed he had suspended the power of civil servants to override vetting recommendations. "I was astonished to discover they had that power in the first place," Jones told the BBC, highlighting systemic issues within the government's security processes.
Opposition Leaders Escalate Calls for Accountability
Ed Davey was unequivocal in his condemnation, stating: "We need to get to the bottom of exactly what Keir Starmer knew when, and whether he intentionally misled parliament over this appalling scandal. The public deserves the truth, not another cover-up." He drew parallels with Boris Johnson's resignation after misleading parliament, arguing Starmer must be held to the same standard.
The Liberal Democrats plan to push for a Commons debate on Monday to open a privileges committee inquiry. Meanwhile, other opposition leaders have joined the chorus demanding Starmer's immediate resignation. Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, said she found the prime minister's denials "completely preposterous," adding: "The prime minister is taking us for fools."
Green party MP Siân Berry accused Starmer of lying repeatedly, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage posted on social media that the prime minister had "blatantly lied" and should resign. The Labour chair of the foreign affairs select committee, Emily Thornberry, also vowed to summon Robbins to ascertain whether MPs were misled, demanding: "People need to stop messing us about and tell us the truth."
Internal Labour Concerns and Future Implications
Within Labour ranks, MPs have privately warned that Starmer's future hinges on further evidence emerging about the Foreign Office's decision-making. One backbencher noted: "It's hard to see how this isn't terminal if the PM knew." Another questioned the credibility of No 10's claims, stating: "This is not credible and no one will believe them unless they produce receipts." A third MP suggested the idea that Starmer was unaware "stretches beyond credulity."
Downing Street maintains that Starmer was only informed of the vetting override on Tuesday night and immediately ordered an investigation. However, he faces scrutiny over why he did not disclose the development to MPs earlier, with his appearance before parliament on Monday now seen as a critical test of his leadership.
As the political storm intensifies, the focus remains on whether Starmer can survive the mounting calls for accountability or if this scandal will force a dramatic resignation, echoing the fate of his predecessor.
