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.

The PM is accused of pressuring the Foreign Office to clear Lord Mandelson for a senior post despite vetting concerns. A sacked civil servant says the appointment was forced through and risks were downplayed. No 10 rejects wrongdoing and faces demands for transparency.

Lord Mandelson was granted the highest security clearance, allowing access to sensitive intelligence, during Labour’s preparations for office. The approval has ignited a row over vetting. Starmer will face MPs to explain the process, while a dismissed official linked to the case weighs legal action.

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.