The PM accuses officials of misleading him over Lord Mandelson’s vetting and signals a push to rein in Whitehall. He promises reforms to curb an obstructive culture and hold mandarins accountable.
Keir Starmer faces a crunch week as MPs examine the handling of Peter Mandelson’s failed vetting. Ex-official Sir Olly Robbins is due to give evidence on Tuesday. Reports indicate two senior civil servants did not brief the PM, putting Cabinet Office transparency and accountability under scrutiny.
Sir Olly Robbins, recently dismissed as Foreign Office chief, will challenge the PM’s account of a security vetting row linked to Peter Mandelson. He plans to give evidence to MPs and rejects blame. An ally says No 10 panicked. Starmer denies misleading the Commons and faces questions on Monday.
The US and Iran said the Strait of Hormuz has reopened to oil shipments after a regional truce and Israel agreeing to pause military action against an armed group in Lebanon. The step boosts prospects for a broader accord, softens oil prices and steadies markets as shipping resumes.
Two senior aides knew for weeks about concerns over Peter Mandelson’s vetting for a proposed US ambassadorship, despite security advice, reports say. Critics urge the PM to take responsibility amid claims of poor oversight; he insists he learned only this week.
Starmer stands firm amid a vetting row, blaming the Foreign Office for mishandled checks linked to a proposed role for Lord Mandelson. He will address MPs, aims to tighten procedures and resists calls to reverse course as unease rises within Labour.
Gemma Monk’s wedding was disrupted when her sister‑in‑law, Antonia Eastwood, threw black paint over her. Eastwood admitted criminal damage at Maidstone Crown Court, Kent. Monk’s brother Ashley Eastwood says there is more to the family dispute.
The PM faces a deepening crisis over the Mandelson vetting row, having dismissed a third official as scrutiny intensifies. Critics question his honesty and competence; allies urge focus on fixing the process. Pressure grows for accountability and clarity over his position.
Labour MPs urge the PM to accept responsibility for errors surrounding Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington, after reports he was approved despite failing security vetting. With local elections looming, pressure mounts and some call for his resignation.
An outlet says it warned No 10 seven months ago that Peter Mandelson had failed security checks, contradicting the PM’s claim he learned only this week. A prior report said MI6 had not cleared him, intensifying the vetting row and pressure on Downing Street.