Starmer unaware Mandelson vetting was overruled for US envoy post

Peter Mandelson, Britain’s former ambassador to the United States, failed his security vetting before taking the post, but Prime Minister Keir Starmer was unaware officials had overruled the recommendation. Mandelson faces a police probe over alleged leaks to Jeffrey Epstein, intensifying scrutiny of Starmer’s appointment. The disclosure has sparked calls for accountability, a review of vetting procedures, and potential resignations or departures, including Olly Robbins, the Foreign Office’s top official, who may leave amid the row.