UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure to resign after revelations that former British Ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson was appointed despite failing a security clearance vetting. Mandelson, who served as London’s envoy in Washington between February and September 2025, was arrested earlier this year on allegations of leaking sensitive government data to the late convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
According to a Guardian report, Mandelson failed the vetting process conducted by the Cabinet Office in 2024. However, the Foreign Office proceeded with his appointment, ignoring the recommendations. Downing Street confirmed the report but insisted that Starmer was unaware of the security clearance issues when he assured Parliament that “due process” had been followed.
The scandal deepened on Thursday with the dismissal of top Foreign Office civil servant Olly Robbins. Robbins has been formally requested to provide evidence on Mandelson’s vetting process on Tuesday. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch described the government’s claim of ignorance as “completely preposterous,” stating, “This story does not stack up. The prime minister is taking us for fools. All roads lead to a resignation.” Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey echoed the sentiment, insisting that Starmer “must go” if he misled Parliament and the public.
Starmer has refused to step down, telling reporters he was “absolutely furious” at not being informed about Mandelson’s failed vetting, calling it “staggering” and “unforgivable.” He promised to address lawmakers on Monday to “set out all the relevant facts in true transparency.”
The British media has been largely unconvinced by the Prime Minister’s explanations. The Times warned of “a new crisis for Starmer, whose premiership almost collapsed over the Mandelson scandal in February.” The Daily Mail’s headline read: “Starmer on brink as his Mandelson ‘lies’ are exposed,” while the Express insisted that the Prime Minister “must resign after blatant lies to MPs.” The Telegraph described Starmer’s position as “scarcely credible,” adding that “he cannot survive.”
The Mandelson affair has already caused significant upheaval within Starmer’s team. His chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned in February after taking responsibility for appointing an envoy with known links to Epstein. McSweeney’s departure was followed by that of the Prime Minister’s communications director, Tim Allan, who stepped down to allow Starmer to build a “new team.”
The scandal has also implicated the British royal family. Prince Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III, faces allegations of “misconduct in public office” for allegedly supplying Epstein with sensitive documents. Andrew has already been stripped of his titles over his ties to the late sex offender.
As the controversy unfolds, Starmer’s leadership faces its most serious challenge yet, with calls for accountability growing louder across the political spectrum.
