Facing jeers in the Commons, the PM said the Mandelson affair “beggars belief”, accusing the Foreign Office of a cover‑up. He insisted No10 was not told that a former US ambassador failed security vetting for a senior post, and pledged full disclosure and investigations.

Keir Starmer was warned of red flags about Lord Mandelson before giving him a senior government role, say Whitehall sources. The PM will explain the decision to MPs, amid scrutiny of the vetting process and questions over propriety, transparency and security checks.

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.

Sir Keir Starmer faces claims he misled Parliament about appointing Lord Mandelson as US ambassador despite failed vetting. No 10 says the PM was unaware of concerns, but critics demand his resignation and a full inquiry into who approved the posting and what advice was ignored.