Chicago – April 17, 2026
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing renewed calls to resign after saying he was unaware that Peter Mandelson had failed security vetting before being appointed ambassador to the United States. Starmer said it was “unforgivable” that no minister told him about the failed checks, while opposition figures argued the explanation was not credible.
The controversy has deepened pressure on the Labour government, coming just weeks before local elections in England and regional votes in Scotland and Wales. Critics say the affair raises broader questions about Starmer’s judgment and control over appointments, while his office insists proper process was followed and that no one in Downing Street knew of the vetting failure.
Mandelson was later dismissed after further scrutiny of his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer has promised to give Parliament a full account of the matter on Monday.
