British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing fresh pressure from opposition parties demanding his resignation following revelations about a security vetting failure linked to his former ambassador to the United States.
The government confirmed on Thursday that Mandelson, who was later dismissed after Starmer accused him of being dishonest about the extent of his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, had not passed the required security clearance before assuming his position.
Officials also said that Starmer had not been informed that the Foreign Office had overridden the vetting recommendation. In addition, a senior Foreign Office official, Olly Robbins, is expected to step down after reportedly losing the Prime Minister’s confidence.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey told BBC Radio that responsibility ultimately rests with the Prime Minister, arguing that dismissing officials does not remove accountability. He further suggested that Starmer may have misled both Parliament and the public, calling for his resignation.
Starmer has already apologised over the appointment but continues to defend his conduct. He has accused Mandelson of deception regarding his ties to Epstein and has pledged to release relevant documents related to the appointment process.
Meanwhile, senior government minister Darren Jones told LBC that Starmer was angered by the fact he was not informed about the failed vetting. Jones said the Prime Minister would address Parliament on Monday and insisted he had not misled MPs, arguing that while the process was flawed, it was properly followed.
Jones also stated that he does not believe the situation threatens Starmer’s position as Prime Minister.
Separately, Mandelson is reportedly under police investigation over allegations of leaking official documents to Jeffrey Epstein. He has not publicly responded to these claims, and his legal representative has also declined to comment on the vetting controversy.