Downing Street has defended Sir Keir Starmer as he fights to save his premiership following the latest twists in the scandal over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador.
Senior Government figures told the Guardian newspaper that the Prime Minister is facing “judgment day” next week, when Sir Olly Robbins – who was sacked this week as chief civil servant at the Foreign Office over the latest revelations about the scandal – is expected to appear before a committee of MPs.