US EditionCalls for PM to Face Sleaze Inquiry over Mandelson Branded 'Political Games'
Darren Jones says there was no wrongdoing by Keir Starmer and calls the Mandelson vetting row a serious process failing.
- On Sunday, Chief Secretary Darren Jones insisted Prime Minister Keir Starmer has "no case to answer" regarding allegations he misled Parliament over Peter Mandelson's vetting process.
- Mandelson was sacked as ambassador last year after revelations about his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, prompting allegations Starmer ignored official advice to deny clearance while asserting "due process" was followed.
- While Jones admitted "serious process failings" occurred, he rejected claims of wrongdoing and accused the Opposition of "using tactics" to distract from government work ahead of local elections.
- House Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle is expected to allow a vote on Tuesday regarding a potential Privileges Committee referral, though Labour reportedly plans to whip MPs to block the move.
- Mounting pressure continues as Parliament prepares for hearings next week featuring testimony from former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, amid Cabinet divisions over Starmer's dismissal of Sir Olly Robbins.
13 Articles
13 Articles
A scandal for Starmer, a test for the Tories
It is the beginning of what promises to be a difficult fortnight for Sir Keir Starmer. As local elections loom, the Prime Minister finds himself fighting for political survival. To start with, the walls are beginning to close in over his decision to appoint the well-known ‘Prince of Darkness’, totally risk-free friend of paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, Peter Mandelson to one of the country’s most sensitive diplomatic jobs. Getting royal sign off, ag…
Minister's Starmer-Mandelson defence has one big problem
On Sunday 26 April, Labour minister Darren Jones attempted to defend his scandal-struck boss Keir Starmer. His argument was that the public care far more about other issues than the ongoing Peter Mandelson affair: On Mandelson, Darren Jones says there are legitimate questions around process failings but the public are more worried about other things & the issue is being used by opposition parties. pic.twitter.com/hzGiG208Lp — Saul Staniforth (@…
Darren Jones: Starmer Has "No Case to Answer" on Mandelson Vetting
Darren Jones on BBC Sunday Morning with Laura Kuennsberg, responding to calls for a privileges committee probe into Starmer’s appointment of Mandelson: “You have to remember, what are these privileges committees about? The last time it was used was when Boris Johnson told the House of Commons there were no parties in Downing Street. It…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
