Key allies of Keir Starmer in his Cabinet have come together to support him amidst the looming crisis in the Commons regarding the Peter Mandelson vetting controversy.
The embattled Prime Minister is set to face intense questioning from Members of Parliament on Monday following revelations that the former UK ambassador to Washington failed UK Security vetting.
Last week, Mr. Starmer dismissed Sir Olly Robbins from the Foreign Office, expressing his anger over the department’s failure to inform No10 and granting clearance to Lord Mandelson.
Liz Kendall, speaking on Sky News, criticized the Foreign Office for not disclosing Lord Mandelson’s failed vetting to Mr. Starmer or the then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy, deeming it a “serious mistake.”
She emphasized that the Prime Minister would have revoked Lord Mandelson’s appointment if he had been aware of the vetting failure before the public announcement.
When asked about her confidence in Mr. Starmer’s leadership for the upcoming election, Ms. Kendall affirmed her unwavering support, praising his courage and decisiveness in crucial national matters.
Highlighting the Prime Minister’s correct stance on significant issues like abstaining from the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, Ms. Kendall reiterated her confidence in his leadership.
The Tech Secretary condemned the lack of transparency in not disclosing the vetting failure, indicating that Lord Mandelson would not have been appointed if the information had been known at the time.
Deputy PM David Lammy also defended Keir Starmer, expressing bewilderment at the Downing Street’s ignorance of Lord Mandelson’s vetting failure. He asserted that the Prime Minister, had he been informed, would not have appointed Lord Mandelson as ambassador.
These statements come as the former Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins prepares to address the Foreign Affairs Committee to present his perspective on the matter.
Former permanent secretary at the Foreign Office, Lord Simon McDonald, criticized the abrupt dismissal of Sir Olly by the Prime Minister, denouncing the lack of fairness and due process in the decision-making.
In a statement to the BBC, Lord McDonald suggested that the Prime Minister’s swift action indicated a desire for a quick resolution without adequate consideration or fairness in handling the situation.