Starmer backed Mandelson despite intelligence warning

Prime minister and David Lammy accused of ignoring MI6

- By DAVID MADDOX, POLITICAL EDITOR

Serious concerns have been raised that newly sacked US ambassador Peter Mandelson did not clear security vetting for the role – but the prime minister pushed through his appointment anyway.

Sources have told The Independent that MI6 failed to clear the Labour peer largely because of concerns over his business links to China.

However, there were also worries that his past links to the disgraced financier and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein “would compromise him”.

The row has broken out as Sir Keir Starmer faces serious questions about his judgement from his political opponents, but also from Labour MPs after Lord Mandelson became the latest high-profile sacking by the prime minister over issues that should have been detected earlier.

When The Independent put the claims that Sir Keir had pushed through Lord Mandelson’s appointment despite not clearing MI6 vetting, a spokesperson said: “Vetting done by FCDO in normal way.”

Lord Mandelson admitted in his vetting interview for the role of US ambassador that he had continued his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein for many years, according to reports.

Lord Mandelson relayed his regrets in his resignation letter to the UK Embassy: “The circumstances surrounding the announcement today are ones which I deeply regret. I continue to feel utterly awful about my association with Epstein 20 years ago and the plight of his victims.” James Roscoe has taken over as interim ambassador while Downing Street finds a replacement.

Lord Mandelson’s dramatic sacking came after a string of shocking revelations, including emails appearing to show him offering support for Epstein as he was facing charges of child abuse offences.