Cabinet tensions are rising over the PM’s handling of the Peter Mandelson scandal, with ministers warning against alienating the civil service after the dismissal of a senior official. Allies urge discipline, while others demand a rethink, leaving the PM increasingly isolated.

Keir Starmer is at odds with ex-senior official Olly Robbins over the vetting of Peter Mandelson for a senior post. Starmer says key concerns from checks were kept from him and now calls the appointment a mistake. Robbins, recently dismissed, is preparing to challenge this.

The PM will face MPs over the row about Peter Mandelson’s involvement in Whitehall vetting. After recent revelations, he is set to give a high‑stakes statement on how the role was approved and what checks were made, amid unease in his party about the impact on his authority.