- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces a potential parliamentary sleaze inquiry over claims he misled MPs regarding the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.
- Former Foreign Office mandarin Sir Philip Barton contradicted Sir Keir's assertion that 'full due process' was followed, stating it was unusual for the appointment to be announced before security vetting was completed.
- Sir Philip Barton revealed he had concerns about Lord Mandelson's connection to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, a 'toxic, hot potato' subject, and that Sir Keir was made aware of these risks but decided to proceed.
- Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keir's former chief of staff, admitted his recommendation for Lord Mandelson's appointment was a mistake, though he denied asking officials to ignore procedures or skip checks.
- Lord Mandelson was granted developed vetting status despite failing initial checks and was later sacked, with Sir Keir dismissing the inquiry as a 'political stunt' ahead of May's elections.
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