Is Mandelson vetting scandal the final straw for Starmer? – The Latest

Is Mandelson vetting scandal the final straw for Starmer? – The Latest

From Today in Focus by The Guardian

April 17, 2026 · 11 min

About this episode

Keir Starmer expresses outrage over not being informed about Peter Mandelson's failed security vetting prior to his appointment as US ambassador.

Keir Starmer says it is ‘staggering’ and ‘unforgivable’ that he was not told Peter Mandelson had failed security vetting before taking up the role of US ambassador. The comments follow a Guardian investigation that exclusively revealed Mandelson had initially been denied clearance after a background check by security officials, but that the decision was overruled by the Foreign Office. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s head of investigations, Paul Lewis – watch on YouTube . Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

People in this episode

Guest: Paul Lewis

Topics covered

  • Mandelson
  • Starmer
  • security vetting
  • politics
  • investigation

Keywords

  • Guardian investigation
  • Foreign Office
  • background check

Mentioned in this episode

Places: US

More episodes of Today in Focus

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Today in Focus podcast page.