- Sir Keir Starmer has told his Cabinet that Sir Olly Robbins made an "error of judgment" by failing to notify the Prime Minister about the vetting process for Lord Mandelson.
- Downing Street denied claims of a dismissive approach to the vetting process and refuted allegations that Foreign Office officials were pressured by former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.
- In his testimony to MPs, Sir Olly Robbins directly criticised Sir Keir Starmer, suggesting the Prime Minister should have decided against appointing Lord Mandelson after reputational risks were identified.
- The due diligence report, conducted prior to Lord Mandelson's nomination, highlighted "serious reputational risks" concerning his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and his business links to China.
- Sir Olly told the Foreign Affairs Committee that there was a strong impetus to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador as quickly as possible, indicating a focus on the timing of the appointment rather than its suitability.
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