The problem with Keir’s Mandelson defence

About this episode

The episode discusses the political implications of Keir Starmer's defense of Peter Mandelson's security vetting failure amidst a looming crisis.

The Prime Minister faces another defining day as he confronts MPs over one question - when did he and No10 learn that Peter Mandelson had failed his security vetting? Keir Starmer has blamed top foreign office diplomat - Sir Olly Robbins - for not telling him, but allies of the mandarin are fighting back ahead of his expected appearance before the Foreign Affairs Select Committee tomorrow. Sam and Anne unpack the competing claims, the ongoing fallout and whether this has become a defining crisis for the PM - just a fortnight before the local and national elections. And, away from the fighting in Westminster, are Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner already planning for a future without Keir Starmer? Plus, is a Kemi Badenoch shadow cabinet reshuffle on the cards?

People in this episode

Hosts: Sam, Anne

Topics covered

• Keir Starmer
• Peter Mandelson
• security vetting
• political crisis
• local elections
• Westminster politics
• shadow cabinet

Keywords

• Keir Starmer
• Peter Mandelson
• security vetting
• political crisis
• local elections
• Andy Burnham
• Angela Rayner
• Kemi Badenoch

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Foreign Affairs Select Committee, No10

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