Inside the Mandelson Files: Secret Vetting, Political Risks & Keir Starmer’s Apology episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 13, 2026 · 42 MIN

Inside the Mandelson Files: Secret Vetting, Political Risks & Keir Starmer’s Apology

from Whitehall Sources

We dive deep into the "Mandelson Files" with Chief Political Commentator Kitty Donaldson to uncover how Peter Mandelson was fast-tracked for the US Ambassador role and what it means for Keir Starmer’s integrity. Plus, we meet Innes Morgan, the 21-year-old appointed to the UK’s new Civil Society Council.From secret vetting processes to "subterranean" rebellions within the Labour Party, this week’s Whitehall Sources explores the friction between old-school political manoeuvring and the new government's promise of ethics.In this episode:The Mandelson Files: Kitty Donaldson (The i Paper) explains the "enhanced vetting" process and why Number 10 jumped over every hurdle to get their man in Washington.Starmer’s "Sticky Wicket": Jo Tanner analyses the Prime Minister’s apology and the growing frustration among female MPs.A New Voice in Number 10: Innes Morgan shares his journey from a rural Scottish community to advising the PM on civil society.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: search for Whitehall Sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Inside the Mandelson Files: Secret Vetting, Political Risks & Keir Starmer’s Apology

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