Starmer Faces Renewed Resignation Calls As Fresh Facts About Mandelson Resurface

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing renewed calls to resign following fresh revelations surrounding the controversial appointment of former UK ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson.

The UK government confirmed on Thursday that Mandelson had failed security vetting prior to his appointment but was nonetheless allowed to assume office. He was later dismissed after Starmer accused him of lying about the extent of his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Officials said the Prime Minister was unaware that Foreign Office authorities had overruled the negative vetting recommendation. A government source disclosed that the most senior official at the Foreign Office, Olly Robbins, is expected to step down after reportedly losing Starmer’s confidence.

Reacting to the development, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said the Prime Minister must take responsibility.

“I don’t think the prime minister can get out of his responsibility by sacking Olly Robbins. I think the buck has to stop with Mr. Starmer,” Davey told BBC Radio.

“I think the evidence suggests that he misled the Commons (Parliament) and misled the public. That’s against all the rules, and that’s why we’ve called for him to go.”

Starmer has previously apologised for the Ambassadorial appointment but defended his actions, accusing Mandelson of creating a “litany of deceit” regarding his links to Epstein. He also pledged to release documents detailing how the appointment was made.

Meanwhile, senior minister Darren Jones said the Prime Minister was “furious” about not being informed that Mandelson had failed the vetting process.

Speaking to LBC, Jones said Starmer would update parliament on Monday and insisted the Prime Minister had not misled lawmakers.

“I don’t think it brings the Prime Minister’s future into question,” he said.

Mandelson is currently under police investigation over allegations that he leaked government documents to Epstein. He has not publicly commented on the claims, while his lawyer also declined to comment on the vetting controversy.

The unfolding scandal has intensified political pressure on PM Starmer, with opposition figures questioning accountability and transparency within his administration.