Badenoch Accuses PM of Misleading MPs on Mandelson’s Vetting
Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, has claimed the prime minister misled the House of Commons regarding the security vetting of Lord Mandelson. This came after a report by The Guardian indicated that the Foreign Office reversed the vetting outcome to allow the peer to assume the role of US ambassador.
Security Clearance Controversy
The Guardian revealed that Lord Mandelson was initially denied clearance in late January 2025 following a thorough vetting process. However, the decision was overturned, enabling him to proceed with his appointment. The peer had already been publicly announced as the UK’s ambassador to the US in December 2024.
“We now know the prime minister misled the House,” Badenoch stated, referencing Sir Keir Starmer’s earlier remarks during Prime Minister’s Questions on 10 September 2025. Starmer had insisted three times that “full due process” was adhered to for the appointment.
Lord Mandelson was dismissed from the ambassador post last year due to his links with the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The government and Mandelson have yet to provide official responses to the allegations.
Vetting Process Details
The vetting procedure, managed by the United Kingdom Security Vetting agency within the Cabinet Office, ensures candidates are unlikely to misuse access to confidential information or be vulnerable to blackmail. It involves assessments of credit history, criminal records, and personal interviews covering health, relationships, and past activities.
Documents from an earlier due diligence check by the Cabinet Office were released, warning of a “reputation risk” linked to Mandelson’s ties with Epstein. Further evidence is set to be disclosed, though The Guardian noted that senior officials might decide to hide details about the lack of security approval from vetting authorities.
Under the Ministerial Code, ministers who knowingly mislead Parliament are obligated to resign. Badenoch has called for the prime minister to take accountability for the alleged misinformation.
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