The Inside Story Podcast Will the UK prime minister Keir Starmer resign?
Apr 18, 2026
Giles Kenningham, communications strategist and former Conservative Party director. Jennifer Nadel, campaigner on political integrity and co-founder of Compassion in Politics. Denis MacShane, ex-Foreign Office minister and former Labour MP. They debate Mandelson’s appointment, vetting and security checks, Starmer’s political judgment, accountability and whether the controversy could cost him his leadership.
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Mandelson Appointment Was A Serious Misjudgment
- Denis MacShane says appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador was a serious misjudgment given his prior resignations over undeclared loans and passport controversies.
- MacShane argues Mandelson's political baggage makes the appointment surprising and distracts from foreign policy priorities like the Gulf and Russian rearmament.
Starmer Looks Uncurious Despite Legal Background
- Giles Kenningham argues Keir Starmer appears inexplicably uncurious and detached despite campaigning as a forensic, detail-focused lawyer.
- Kenningham predicts a slow political decline where Starmer survives short term but faces growing calls to set a departure timetable.
Developed Vetting Is Intense But Not Binding
- Jennifer Nadel explains developed vetting as intense interviews and background checks for access to sensitive information, with recommendations that can be overridden.
- She highlights concern that Number 10 press staff and civil servants knew vetting failed, implying senior ministers may have been aware.