Starmer vs Robbins: Why the Mandelson row  keeps getting worse

Starmer vs Robbins: Why the Mandelson row keeps getting worse

From Inside Briefing with the Institute for Government by Institute for Government

April 23, 2026 · 42 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the ongoing Mandelson vetting scandal and its implications for Keir Starmer and the relationship between civil servants and ministers.

Seven days in, Westminster is still consumed by the Peter Mandelson vetting scandal. The PM has had his say. Olly Robbins - the permanent secretary that Starmer dismissed - has also given his account. So where does this leave Keir Starmer? Foreign Office permanent secretary Peter Ricketts joins the podcast team to work out where a week of blame and counter-blame has left the government - and what it means for an already damaged relationship between civil servants and ministers. Plus: new IfG research on how civil servants should handle policy making in major crises. Hosted by Hannah White. With Alex Thomas, Cath Haddon, and Vimbai Dzimwasha. Produced by Milo Hynes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Hannah White

Guest: Peter Ricketts

Topics covered

  • Mandelson vetting scandal
  • Westminster
  • civil servants
  • government relations
  • policy making

Keywords

  • Olly Robbins
  • Keir Starmer
  • government
  • crisis management

More episodes of Inside Briefing with the Institute for Government

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Inside Briefing with the Institute for Government podcast page.