Government ministers expressed widespread surprise upon learning that Peter Mandelson did not pass security vetting prior to his appointment as UK ambassador to the US. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, attending an IMF meeting in Washington, stated she was unaware of the vetting details. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy received the news during a flight from the Middle East and confirmed his lack of knowledge. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reacted with disbelief in her London office. Other cabinet members, including Chief Secretary Darren Jones, were similarly caught off guard. This revelation highlights how few officials knew of the decision to appoint Mandelson despite security concerns. Downing Street maintains that no ministers, including the Prime Minister, were informed. The incident stems from January 2025, when Mandelson was selected for the role amid questions about his past business ties and associations. Although vetting processes typically approve most candidates, officials denied clearance, yet the Foreign Office proceeded. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has claimed ignorance of the failure, raising questions about the sequence of events and potential impacts on his leadership amid upcoming local elections.
