Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing calls for his resignation after the government confirmed an associate of Jeffrey Epstein failed a background security check before being appointed envoy to Washington.
The opposition renewed calls for Starmer's resignation after an investigation revealed Peter Mandelson had failed an initial background check, a fact later confirmed by the government. The opposition Conservative Party leader stated Starmer "has betrayed our national security. He should go."
The Liberal Democrats leader also called for Starmer's resignation, stating, "If Keir Starmer has misled Parliament and lied to the British people, he has to go."
Starmer has accused Mandelson of lying about the extent of his ties to Epstein during the vetting process. A government spokesperson confirmed foreign ministry officials proceeded with the appointment "against the recommendation of UK Security Vetting," but stated neither Starmer nor the foreign minister were aware of this until recently.
Mandelson was sacked as ambassador after documents revealed the depth of his ties to Epstein. An investigation into allegations of misconduct in office has been opened, with police looking into claims Mandelson leaked sensitive documents during his time as a government minister.