"It's Giving Partygate" - Peter Mandelson Failed Security Check but Still Appointed

About this episode

Ali and Zoe discuss Peter Mandelson's controversial appointment as Ambassador to the US despite failing a security check and its implications for Keir Starmer and UK politics.

Peter Mandelson was appointed as Ambassador to the US, despite failing his security check. The decision was overruled by the Foreign Office to ensure he could take up his post as ambassador to the US, an investigation by the Guardian revealed. Ali and Zoe discuss this breaking story, the " partygate " vibes and if this is the end for Keir Starmer. Via the Guardian : According to multiple sources, Mandelson was initially denied clearance in late January 2025 after a developed vetting process, a highly confidential background check by security officials. Keir Starmer had by then announced he would be making Mandelson the UK’s chief diplomat in Washington, posing a dilemma for officials at the Foreign Office, who decided to use a rarely used authority to override the recommendation from security officials. The decision, which rests with the Cabinet Office, has not yet been taken. Any attempt to withhold the documents from the intelligence and security committee could amount to a breach of a parliamentary motion to release “all papers relating to Mandelson’s appointment”. Starmer will also be pressed over whether he misled the public in remarks about the security vetting process…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ali, Zoe

Topics covered

• Partygate
• security clearance
• UK politics
• Keir Starmer
• local elections
• affordable housing

Keywords

• Peter Mandelson
• Keir Starmer
• security check
• ambassador
• UK politics
• local elections
• affordable housing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Foreign Office, Guardian, Labour Party

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