Starmer’s ‘due process’ under scrutiny as opposition seeks misleading parliament inquiry in Mandelson fallout

There is a developing political crisis for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer involving the appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States. 

Consequently, opposition parties-including the Conservatives, SNP and Liberal Democrats- have asked the Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsay Hoyle to refer the Prime Minister to the Privileges Committee.

Given the gravity of the situation, they allege that Sir Keir misled Parliament by claiming “due process" was followed, despite reports that Lord Mandelson failed security vetting. 

Evidence suggests the Downing Street administration was informed of the vetting failure by The Independent as early as September, contradicting Sir Keir’s claim that he only learned of the issue very recently.

Sir Keir while speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions said Sir Olly Robbins’ confirmation that the vetting recommendation for Lord Mandelson was not shared with him “puts to bed all the allegations levelled at me by that opposite in relation to dishonesty.”

Under these circumstances, the PM remains under pressure over his handling of the scandal including from within his party, with Dan Carden is the latest Labour MP to criticize him during an appearance on BBC Newsnight on Wednesday. 

Further investigations into the appointment of Lord Mandelson are expected when Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary, Cat Little, gives evidence before the Foreign Affairs Committee. Opposition parties including-Conservatives, SNP and Lib Dems- argue the Speaker should refer Sir Keir to the Privileges Committee-the same body that investigated Boris Johnson-to determine if he misled Parliament. 

Additionally, reports are circulating that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Energy Secretary over accusations that No 10 sought an ambassadorial role for Lord Matthew Doyle after he left his post as communications chief at Downing Street.

Senior figures like Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Justice Secretary David Lammy have reportedly shared concerns with the PM over the sacking of Sir Olly Robbins. 

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband are reportedly distancing themselves from No 10 following claims the administration tried to secure a diplomatic job for Lord Matthew Doyle, who has links to a convicted sex offender. 

Labour MPs are beginning to break ranks. Dan Carden refused to say he had confidence in the PM, and Jonathan Brash stated that “not reasonably expects” Sir Keir to lead the party into the next general election. 

The PM insists he was “left in the dark” by civil servants and that Sir Olly Robbins’ confirmation that he didn't share the vetting recommendation “puts to bed” any allegations of dishonesty. 

Critics argue that if the Prime Minister did not know his ambassador had failed security vetting while the press did, it suggests a staggering loss of control and a “dismissive” attitude toward national security protocols.