Starmer Faces Backlash Over Mandelson Diplomatic Nomination

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London: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced growing political pressure on Friday over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as envoy to Washington after reports that Mandelson had failed a security vetting process.

The controversy has intensified amid scrutiny of Mandelson’s reported links to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Mandelson, a senior figure in Starmer’s ruling Labour Party and a former cabinet minister, was nominated in 2024 for the prestigious ambassadorial role in Washington.

The UK government said foreign ministry officials allowed the appointment process to continue despite recommendations from security vetting authorities.

Senior minister Darren Jones said the prime minister and foreign secretary were only informed of the failed security assessment earlier this week.

The top civil servant at the foreign ministry, Olly Robbins, has since resigned after Starmer reportedly lost confidence in him over the matter.

Opposition politicians stepped up criticism, with Kemi Badenoch accusing Starmer of undermining national security and calling for his resignation.

Jones defended the prime minister, describing the episode as “a failure of the state” and said Starmer was angry at not being informed sooner.

Mandelson was removed from the ambassadorial role last year after documents released by a US congressional committee reportedly detailed the extent of his ties to Epstein.

Police are now investigating allegations of misconduct in public office involving Mandelson. He was arrested in February and later released on bail. He has not been charged and denies wrongdoing.

The allegations include claims that sensitive government documents were shared with Epstein while Mandelson was a minister, including during the 2008 financial crisis.

Further official documents related to Mandelson’s vetting process are expected to be released in the coming weeks.