Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accuses Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of misleading the House of Commons over Lord Mandelson’s security vetting for the UK ambassador to the US role.
Failed Vetting and Appointment Timeline
Lord Mandelson initially failed his developed vetting process in late January 2025, despite the announcement of his appointment in December 2024. He formally assumed the position on February 10, 2025, after clearance was overruled. Mandelson later lost the role due to his associations with the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
The United Kingdom Security Vetting agency conducts these checks, reviewing credit history, criminal records, and conducting interviews on health, relationships, family, and personal history to prevent risks like blackmail or bribery. Officials flagged Mandelson’s Epstein ties as a significant reputation risk, drawing from public media reports.
Starmer’s Statements Under Scrutiny
During Prime Minister’s Questions on September 10, 2025, Starmer repeatedly stated that full due process was followed for the appointment. On February 5, 2025, at a press conference in Hastings, he added that independent security services provided intensive vetting, granting Mandelson clearance before he took the post.
It remains unclear if Starmer knew of the initial failure or who in the Foreign Office approved the override.
Badenoch Demands Accountability
Badenoch references Starmer’s September comments, declaring, “We now know the prime minister misled the House. The prime minister must take responsibility.” She highlights the Ministerial Code, which requires ministers who knowingly mislead Parliament to resign.
Opposition Calls for Resignation
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage states, “Keir Starmer said in February that the security services had given Mandelson ‘clearance for the role.’ Now we discover that he has blatantly lied; the prime minister should resign.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey remarks, “Keir Starmer had already made a catastrophic error of judgement. Now it looks as though he has also misled Parliament and lied to the British public. If that is the case, he must go.”
Green Party MP Sian Berry asserts, “Keir Starmer has lied and lied again over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson and he must resign.” She continues, “He has tried to blame the vetting process, when in fact a decision was taken to ignore a failed vetting.”
Ongoing Document Release
Further documents are scheduled for release, though senior officials weigh withholding those confirming the lack of vetting approval. The government and Lord Mandelson have yet to comment.
