The News Agents Can Keir Starmer save himself from the Mandelson scandal?
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Feb 5, 2026 
Brian Leishman, MP for Airdrie and Shotts and Labour critic, discusses Keir Starmer's position and party culture. He speaks about calls for Morgan McSweeney to go. The conversation covers Mandelson's vetting, parliamentary anger, questions of judgment versus misconduct, and demands for full transparency and accountability.
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Starmer's Public Apology And Its Stakes
- Keir Starmer issued a direct, heartfelt apology to Epstein victims and condemned Mandelson's lies.
- The apology aims to distance Starmer's premiership from Mandelson but raises questions about what Starmer knew.
Vetting Docs Decide Political Fate
- The release and content of vetting documents are central to whether Starmer misled parliament.
- MPs refused to trust Number 10, forcing oversight by the Intelligence and Security Committee.
Mandelson's Vetting Claim Strains Credibility
- Mandelson claims he wasn't asked about Epstein during vetting, but a vetting insider says that was almost impossible.
- Even if not asked explicitly, appointees must declare compromising relationships or be disqualified.