The Prime Minister said “it was me that made the mistake” in appointing Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador
Sir Keir Starmer has taken responsibility for his “mistake” in sending Lord Peter Mandelson to Washington.
The Prime Minister told reporters in Northern Ireland that “it was me that made the mistake” in appointing him as US ambassador.
He also said that “it’s me that makes the apology to the victims” of paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Sir Keir faced fresh questions about his judgment in giving the peer the ambassadorship despite being warned of a “general reputational risk” because of his relationship with Epstein.
He maintains that No 10’s follow-up questions and Lord Mandelson’s responses are key in proving that he lied about the extent of his ties to Epstein.
But they have been withheld by police because of their probe into allegations against Mandelson of misconduct in public office.
Yet the published material shows the PM advanced the recruitment despite being briefed on the peer’s continuing relationship with Epstein.
This is despite the financier’s conviction for procuring an underage girl in 2008 and concerns raised by senior officials.
The absence of Sir Keir’s comments in the trove of Government papers released on Wednesday has come under the spotlight, sparking questions over whether he followed procedures.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch claimed that “a lot of information is missing” from the files.
She said: “We need the full details of what the Prime Minister did.
“There is still a cover up going on.”
The Opposition leader called on Labour MPs to turn on their PM and oust him from No 10.
Ms Badenoch said: “There are not enough Conservative MPs to remove the Prime Minister – he won a landslide.
“Labour MPs now need to consider their conscience and their position and ask if this man is fit to run our country.
“We can’t make him resign.
“The only people who can fix this are Labour backbenchers.”
Downing Street said no notes by Sir Keir were redacted and denied there was a “cover up” in the release of files related to the appointment.
His official spokesman said: “I refute the suggestion of a cover up.
“The Government complied fully.
“I just don’t accept that it’s the case at all.
“There are a range of different ways in which the Prime Minister’s senior team responds to advice.
“The Prime Minister did read the advice, but clearly there are lessons to be learned on the wider appointment processes, and the processes that led up to them.”
Sir Keir’s spokesman also said legislation to strip Lord Mandelson of his title could be broadened out to include any peer who has broken the rules.
He said: “The Prime Minister has asked officials to draft legislation which allows Peter Mandelson’s peerage to be removed as quickly as possible.”
Lib Dem Cabinet Office spokeswoman Lisa Smart accused the PM of showing “a catastrophic lack of judgment” over Mandelson’s appointment with mounting evidence that he misled Parliament.
She said: “Keir Starmer must refer himself to the independent ethics adviser to determine whether he breached the ministerial code.
“He promised to clean up politics after years of Conservative sleaze and scandal, now he must lead by example.”
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