Starmer faces scrutiny over diplomatic appointments and Mandelson vetting

Starmer refuses to deny No 10 considered offering Matthew Doyle a diplomatic post.

Mike Wood (Con) asked Starmer if he could deny that No 10 considered appointing Matthew Doyle to a diplomatic role. Starmer stated that when people leave a role, employers often consider other roles for them, but noted that nothing came of this.

Lib Dems call for inquiry into lobbying for Doyle

Ed Davey, the Lib Dem leader, has called for an inquiry into who was lobbying for Matthew Doyle to be offered a diplomatic job. Davey stated: "For Number 10 to ask the Foreign Office to find a plum diplomatic job for another Labour crony who was friends with a convicted sex offender – and to instruct that to be kept secret from the foreign secretary – is completely shocking."

Starmer claims 'no pressure' on Foreign Office regarding Mandelson

Keir Starmer claimed at PMQs that no pressure was put on the Foreign Office to approve the vetting of Peter Mandelson. He cited evidence from Olly Robbins, the former Foreign Office permanent secretary, to support his claim that recommendations were independent. However, Starmer's summary was noted as selective, as Robbins also testified about the general pressure the department faced to finalize the appointment.

Capita loses Royal Mail pension contract

The new Royal Mail statutory pension scheme contract with Capita has been terminated. Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds announced the decision, citing a failure to meet critical transition milestones and a lack of confidence in Capita’s ability to implement the new operating model.

Morgan McSweeney to be questioned

Morgan McSweeney, the prime minister’s former chief of staff, has been summoned to appear before the foreign affairs select committee next Tuesday to address allegations of pressure on the civil service regarding the Mandelson appointment.

PMQs - snap verdict

Kemi Badenoch’s focus on "due process" in the Mandelson affair proved difficult to substantiate, providing Starmer with a stronger defensive position than in previous days. While the situation remains a point of contention, it appears unlikely to cause immediate parliamentary fallout for the Prime Minister.