Keir Starmer has accused his political rivals of exploiting the Peter Mandelson controversy to obstruct the Government’s progress, emphasizing that the cabinet remains unified.

In response, the Prime Minister swiftly rebutted claims made by a senior civil servant that former Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins had declined to provide a vetting summary regarding the disgraced peer. Starmer dismissed suggestions of his resignation, highlighting discrepancies in his opponents’ previous statements.

Starmer attributed the ongoing allegations to political opposition to the Government’s initiatives such as employment rights laws, NHS investment, and stricter landlord regulations, signaling a clash of ideologies.

Addressing speculations about discontent within his Cabinet, the PM stressed the collective efforts being made on various fronts, including preparations for upcoming legislative measures.

The fallout from the Mandelson vetting saga persists, with a top Cabinet Office official, Cat Little, revealing her decision to directly request Mandelson’s vetting details after Sir Olly’s refusal. Little maintained her stance while facing questioning from MPs, underscoring the unprecedented nature of her actions.

Amid reports of Cabinet discord, Home Office minister Alex Norris dismissed the claims as baseless, emphasizing the government’s unity and commitment to its duties.

During her testimony, Ms. Little detailed her efforts to unearth documents related to Lord Mandelson’s appointment, shedding light on the process leading to his role as the US ambassador.

Ms. Little defended the delay in providing crucial information to Mr. Starmer, citing the need for legal consultation due to the sensitive nature of the information.

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