Labour MPs condemn No 10’s culture after a senior civil servant said he was pressured to approve Peter Mandelson’s US role. The row has triggered cabinet anger, calls for transparency in appointments, and questions over the PM’s judgement and No 10’s working practices.
Sir Olly Robbins says No10, via the PM’s ex‑chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, pressured the Foreign Office to approve Peter Mandelson as US ambassador despite concerns. The proposed appointment drew backlash, with Donald Trump calling it a bad pick.
Ministers are distancing themselves from the PM after claims he pressured officials to secure Lord Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington. No 10 denies misconduct, but scrutiny of the vetting process is intensifying, raising questions over propriety and authority.
Calls grow for Morrisons to reinstate store manager Sean Egan, dismissed after confronting an alleged repeat shoplifter. Ex-staff praise his record, while senior politicians argue retailers should back employees protecting customers and goods. The company is under pressure to review the decision.
Pressure grows on the PM over the Mandelson vetting row after a dismissed civil servant told MPs No 10 fostered a pressurised atmosphere and was dismissive of warnings. Senior Labour figures, including Ed Miliband and Yvette Cooper, signalled dissent and urged Cabinet action.
A sacked vetting chief told MPs he faced “constant pressure” to clear Lord Mandelson for a proposed US ambassador role, saying there was a push to approve it before a presidential inauguration. The claim intensifies scrutiny of the PM’s handling of the process.
Sir Olly Robbins says No 10 pressured him to clear a role for Peter Mandelson, which he approved “under duress”. The claim intensifies scrutiny of Starmer and raises questions about the propriety and independence of the government appointments vetting process.
At an MPs hearing, ex-Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins said No 10 pressed officials to push through vetting and an ambassador role for a politically connected figure, contradicting the PM. Senior ministers voiced concern, while No 10 said the proper process was followed.
Former FO chief Sir Olly Robbins told MPs No 10 pressed officials to secure an ambassadorship for Matthew Doyle and to fast-track Peter Mandelson’s posting to Washington, while asking him not to brief David Lammy. Doyle later lost the Labour whip over links to an individual convicted of abuse.
