Former top aide to Keir Starmer, Morgan McSweeney, is set to appear before Members of Parliament next week amidst the fallout from the Peter Mandelson controversy. McSweeney resigned in February, taking full responsibility for advising the Prime Minister to appoint Lord Mandelson as the US ambassador, which caused chaos in No10 due to Mandelson’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein. He has been summoned to testify before the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee in a rare public appearance.
Despite the ongoing scrutiny over Lord Mandelson’s vetting process, Keir Starmer remained defiant during a heated exchange at PMQs. The Prime Minister faced calls to take responsibility and resign from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, but he defended his actions, emphasizing that UK Security Vetting had recommended against granting top clearance to Mandelson before his appointment.
Acknowledging that his office had sought a prestigious diplomatic role for his former spin chief Matthew Doyle, the PM clarified that nothing materialized from those discussions. Doyle, who was later made a peer, was suspended by the Labour Party in February due to his links to a convicted sex offender.
Following the revelation that the Foreign Office had disregarded security concerns regarding Mandelson’s appointment, Sir Olly Robbins, the sacked Foreign Office chief, accused No10 of overlooking proper vetting procedures and exerting pressure to expedite the process. The Prime Minister’s decision to dismiss Sir Olly sparked unease within his inner circle, with some members hesitant to comment on the fairness of the decision.
Amidst internal tensions, Downing Street affirmed the PM’s confidence in his Cabinet’s support and reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing issues affecting working people, such as the cost of living and NHS waiting times. The controversy, occurring just before crucial local elections, is set to continue as key officials, including Cat Little and Sir Philip Barton, are scheduled to face questioning by MPs.
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