Sunak says Mandelson appointment was a ‘grave lapse of political judgment’

Politics
25 Apr 2026 • 9:48 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Sunak says Mandelson appointment was a ‘grave lapse of political judgment’

  • Rishi Sunak has criticised Sir Keir Starmer, saying his appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador was a "grave lapse of political judgment".
  • Writing in The Times, Sunak warned the government against focusing on process over political judgment in response to the scandal.
  • Starmer previously appointed Sir Adrian Fulford to review security vetting decisions, expressing surprise at not being informed of Mandelson's failed clearance.
  • The Labour leader is now under significant political pressure, facing a potential Commons vote and an inquiry into whether he misled parliament.
  • Sir Lindsay Hoyle is expected to address requests for a Privileges Committee investigation, with Starmer's former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, also due to be questioned by MPs.

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