A former high-ranking official from the Foreign Ministry revealed on Tuesday that he had experienced constant pressure from the office of U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer to expedite the process of appointing his choice as the U.S. ambassador. This development has escalated tensions surrounding the British leader.
The dispute over the responsibility for selecting Labour veteran Peter Mandelson as Britain’s top diplomat, despite his controversial past and connections to the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has placed considerable strain on Starmer. Critics have called for his resignation in light of these circumstances.
Starmer admitted fault in appointing Mandelson and expressed remorse, attributing the oversight to officials who failed to inform him that a security vetting organization had advised against the appointment. This information, Starmer claimed, would have prevented him from hiring the new ambassador.
Following his dismissal late last week due to Starmer and Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper’s loss of confidence in him, Olly Robbins defended his actions on Tuesday. Robbins promptly shifted the blame to Starmer’s office, emphasizing the urgency to expedite the process and treating Mandelson’s appointment as virtually assured.
Robbins testified before a parliamentary committee, stating, “I entered a situation where there was already a strong expectation that he needed to assume the post in America as swiftly as possible.” He highlighted the persistent pressure and frequent communication from Starmer’s 10 Downing Street office throughout January 2025.
In response to Robbins’s accusations, Starmer’s spokesperson refuted the claims, distinguishing between keeping informed about the appointment progress and the notion of pressure. Robbins also disclosed that the vetting body had deemed the appointment a borderline case, leaning against granting clearance — information that Starmer asserts his government did not receive.
Robbins’s testimony is anticipated to intensify the scrutiny on Starmer, who faces mounting calls to resign following a scandal that has persisted for months. Despite this, Labour lawmakers have indicated that there will be no immediate action to remove Starmer, especially with forthcoming local elections in England and regional votes in Wales and Scotland.
The renewed focus on Starmer’s Downing Street operations may not assuage concerns raised by lawmakers critical of the perceived bunker mentality and lack of transparency within the office. Revelations have also surfaced regarding Downing Street’s push for an ambassadorial position for Matthew Doyle, the prime minister’s former senior communications director, further complicating matters.
As the fallout continues, some senior ministers have subtly distanced themselves from Starmer regarding the Mandelson appointment. Energy Minister Ed Miliband, reflecting on the situation, expressed concerns about the potential repercussions and risks associated with the appointment.
