EPISODE · Apr 17, 2026 · 10 MIN
Is Mandelson vetting scandal the final straw for Starmer? – The Latest
from Today in Focus · host The Guardian
Keir Starmer says it is ‘staggering’ and ‘unforgivable’ that he was not told Peter Mandelson had failed security vetting before taking up the role of US ambassador. The comments follow a Guardian investigation that exclusively revealed Mandelson had initially been denied clearance after a background check by security officials, but that the decision was overruled by the Foreign Office. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s head of investigations, Paul Lewis – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
What this episode covers
Keir Starmer says it is ‘staggering’ and ‘unforgivable’ that he was not told Peter Mandelson had failed security vetting before taking up the role of US ambassador. The comments follow a Guardian investigation that exclusively revealed Mandelson had initially been denied clearance after a background check by security officials, but that the decision was overruled by the Foreign Office. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s head of investigations, Paul Lewis – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
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Is Mandelson vetting scandal the final straw for Starmer? – The Latest
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