Starmer Left in Dark Over Mandelson Vetting Failure by Senior Officials
Keir Starmer was kept unaware of sensitive information regarding Peter Mandelson's security vetting by two top civil servants, including the head of the civil service, as revealed in an exclusive report. The prime minister described the situation as "unforgivable" and "staggering" after learning that senior officials failed to notify him about Mandelson's vetting failure weeks before his appointment as ambassador to Washington.
Delayed Notification and Internal Debates
Downing Street confirmed that Starmer only discovered the vetting failure, which occurred in January 2025, earlier this week. However, it has been established that Antonia Romeo, the cabinet secretary, and Catherine Little, the Cabinet Office's permanent secretary, have been aware of the issue since March. This delay in informing the prime minister has sparked concerns about whether the government is being managed by mandarins rather than ministers.
Romeo, appointed by Starmer in February, was informed about the failure by Little in March. Little, as the top civil servant at the Cabinet Office, oversees UK Security Vetting (UKSV), which advised against granting Mandelson clearance. Her department has been handling compliance with a parliamentary motion, known as a "humble address," demanding the release of all papers related to Mandelson's appointment, excluding those that could compromise national security or international relations.
Complex Process and Security Concerns
A government source insisted that Little "did not sit on the information" but was engaged in a complex process to assess the risks of sharing highly sensitive details, even with the prime minister. The source added that Little informed Romeo of her plan to evaluate these risks, and Romeo supported the approach. This process took weeks, with up to a dozen officials and lawyers aware of Mandelson's vetting failure, yet Starmer was not formally notified until recently.
At the heart of the controversy is a summary document produced by UKSV on 28 January last year, which highlighted sensitive concerns about Mandelson and recommended denying him security clearance. The Foreign Office overruled this recommendation, leading to Mandelson's appointment. A Cabinet Office spokesperson stated that upon receiving the UKSV document after the humble address, Little immediately conducted expedited checks to determine what could be shared, including legal advice and considerations about prejudicing criminal proceedings.
Internal Divisions and Potential Cover-Up Fears
Officials in Little's department have been divided in recent weeks over whether to release the UKSV document to the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC). Some argued that disclosing the file, even to the ISC—whose members are sworn to secrecy under the Official Secrets Act—would be "unprecedented" and pose national security risks. Others feared a potential "cover-up" if the document was withheld, noting that it contradicted statements by Starmer and his former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who implied vetting failures contributed to Mandelson's appointment.
Amid the impasse, some in government advocated for setting aside precedent to disclose the documents to the committee, warning that failure to do so might breach parliamentary wishes. Discussions on this matter lasted for weeks, with Starmer reportedly unaware of the ongoing debate. By this week, compromise options were being considered, such as providing unredacted versions to only two ISC members or limiting access to privy council members.
Political Fallout and Transparency Questions
Little is expected to be asked to appear before the ISC in a closed hearing to address questions. Lord Beamish, chair of the ISC, has warned that the committee and parliament would take a "very dim view" if documents were withheld. A Cabinet Office spokesperson affirmed that Little and officials have always aimed for transparency regarding the UKSV recommendation, though internal debates over withholding materials raise questions about public statements.
Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the prime minister, faced scrutiny after denying reports that officials considered not revealing all information to parliament. A source close to Jones clarified that his response focused on the official government process for the humble address. On Friday evening, Downing Street released a summary of the meeting where Starmer was informed, showing he was previously unaware of the possibility to grant clearance against UKSV advice and instructed officials to establish facts for an update to MPs.
