Sir Keir Starmer was “not aware” the Foreign Office had granted Peter Mandelson vetting clearance to become US ambassador despite a recommendation against it until a meeting on Tuesday night, according to a document Downing Street has released.
The memo of a meeting between the country’s most senior civil servants appeared to add credence to the Prime Minister’s defence that Foreign Office (FCDO) officials were responsible for clearing Lord Mandelson’s appointment without his knowledge, and that he was informed of this on Tuesday evening.
