Guardian UK Politics
Lobbying and access to government will be reviewed in wake of Mandelson scandal, says cabinet minister - UK politics live
The UK government is set to review lobbying rules and access to officials following controversy over Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador, with financial disclosures to be examined by the ethics and integrity commission. Cabinet Office documents due for release are expected to include a two-page due diligence report that reportedly warned Keir Starmer of serious reputational risks before the appointment was made. The revelations look set to intensify scrutiny of the prime minister's judgment in pushing ahead regardless.
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A 'weirdly rushed' appointment - and other key takeaways from Mandelson files
Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK Ambassador to Washington was described as "weirdly rushed" in newly released documents, raising questions about the process behind one of Britain's most high-profile diplomatic postings. The files shed light on behind-the-scenes tensions and the unusual speed with which the decision was pushed through. The revelations add pressure on the government to explain why standard procedure appeared to be bypassed for a figure as politically charged as Mandelson.
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Starmer said ministers can go against wishes of Welsh and Scottish governments in leaked memo
Keir Starmer has privately told ministers they are not bound by the wishes of devolved governments in Scotland and Wales, according to a leaked memo obtained by Plaid Cymru. The revelation has handed nationalist parties fresh ammunition to accuse Labour of undermining devolution despite its stated commitment to the principle. The timing is particularly damaging for a government that has positioned itself as a partner to the devolved nations.
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Sky News UK
Why the Mandelson files mean more trouble for Keir Starmer
Peter Mandelson's newly surfaced files are adding fresh political headaches for Keir Starmer at a moment when Labour can ill afford internal distractions. The documents raise uncomfortable questions about the party's past and the company its current leader keeps. For Starmer, the timing could not be worse as he works to project unity and distance Labour from its recent turbulent history.
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Starmer’s national security adviser expressed concern about Mandelson appointment, documents show - UK politics live
Keir Starmer's national security adviser Jonathan Powell raised concerns with chief of staff Morgan McSweeney over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, newly released documents reveal. A Cabinet Office due diligence report, understood to be two pages long, is said to have flagged significant reputational risks associated with the choice. The release is expected to intensify scrutiny of Starmer's judgment in pushing ahead with the controversial nomination despite internal warnings.
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