British Prime Minister Keir Starmer disclosed on Monday that officials from the foreign office did not notify him or any ministers about the approval of security clearance for former U.S. ambassador Peter Mandelson in January 2025, despite the U.K. Security Vetting agency’s advice against it.
Mandelson, aged 72, was dismissed in September 2025 following revelations about his extensive connections with the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer has issued an apology for his initial appointment. Criticism mounted, with calls for Starmer’s resignation due to the appointment occurring despite Mandelson’s clearance failure.
Reiterating his regret to Epstein’s victims, Starmer emphasized that Mandelson should never have been appointed as the U.K.’s ambassador to the U.S., admitting his error in judgment. He pledged to investigate any security concerns arising during Mandelson’s tenure.
Starmer expressed astonishment at not being informed of Mandelson’s failed security clearance, even after initiating a review of the vetting process. He asserted that had he been aware, Mandelson would not have been appointed. Starmer updated the review’s terms of reference to ensure comprehensive coverage of decision-making processes regarding national security vetting.
The government revealed last week that Mandelson had failed the security vetting process preceding his assumption of office in February 2025, intensifying pressure on Starmer, whose popularity has dwindled since the significant Labour victory in the 2024 national elections.
Following the belated revelation of the vetting failure, Starmer dismissed top foreign ministry official Olly Robbins, acknowledging the unacceptable failure to inform him promptly.
The unfolding scandal has triggered accusations of dishonesty and incompetence against Starmer, with critics questioning his leadership as the upcoming local elections approach. While senior Labour figures have not called for his resignation, opposition leaders have criticized Starmer’s handling of the situation.
Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey criticized Starmer for his “catastrophic misjudgment,” while Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch accused him of negligence. Badenoch condemned the appointment as damaging to U.S. relations, insulting to Epstein’s victims, and a breach of national security.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Technology Minister Liz Kendall emphasized that Starmer would have vetoed Mandelson’s appointment had he been aware of the vetting failure.
