Starmer Faces Renewed Resignation Calls Over Mandelson Security Vetting Scandal

UK opposition demands Starmer resign after aide failed vetting, lied about Epstein ties and still secured diplomatic role.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday faced renewed calls from political opponents to resign after it emerged his former ambassador to the United States failed security vetting but was still allowed to take up the role.

The government confirmed that Peter Mandelson, who was later dismissed after Starmer said he had lied about the strength of his relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, had failed security vetting before assuming the position.

Officials said Starmer was unaware that Foreign Office authorities overruled the vetting recommendation. A source added that the most senior official at the foreign ministry, Olly Robbins, would leave his role after losing the prime minister’s confidence.

“I don’t think the prime minister can get out of his responsibility by sacking Olly Robbins. I think the buck has to stop with Mr. Starmer,” said Ed Davey.

“I think the evidence suggests that he misled the Commons (parliament) and misled the public. That’s against all the rules, and that’s why we’ve called for him to go.”

Starmer has apologised for the appointment but defended his actions, accusing Mandelson of creating a “litany of deceit” about his Epstein ties and promising to release documents detailing the appointment process.

Senior minister Darren Jones told LBC that Starmer was “furious” at not being informed about the failed vetting and would update parliament on Monday. He added that Starmer had not misled parliament and that procedures were followed, though flawed.

“I don’t think it brings the Prime Minister’s future into question,” Jones said.