No. 10 knew Mandelson failed vetting months ago, PM furious
No. 10 knew Mandelson failed vetting months ago, PM furious
Downing Street was reportedly warned seven months ago that Mandelson failed MI6 vetting for the US ambassador post, sparking fury from the prime minister.
Downing Street was told in September that Peter Mandelson had failed MI6 vetting for the US ambassador post, due to concerns over his business links to China. The disclosure aligns with earlier reporting that the vetting did not clear him.
No10 had previously said the vetting was carried out in the normal way by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Now, the prime minister has called it staggering and unforgivable that he wasn't told earlier, and said he was furious.
Opposition figures seized on the revelation, with Tory voices accusing Downing Street of a cover-up and arguing someone must answer for the delay in disclosure. One senior ally suggested the PM’s denials beggar belief.
The same day, Mandelson was sacked over his links to Jeffrey Epstein, underscoring questions about judgment and integrity surrounding the appointment. Analysts say the episode raises questions about vetting processes and how sensitive postings are handled.
