Morgan McSweeney says advising Starmer to appoint Mandelson was ‘serious error of judgment’ – UK politics live
Keir Starmer’s former chief of staff tells foreign affairs committee Mandelson was confidante to him, but not a mentor Q: Was there pressure on you to approve Mandelson’s vetting? This is a reference to the claim that Keir Starmer misled MPs last week when he talked about no pressure being placed on the Foreign Office. One is during my tenure. I was not aware of any pressure on the substance of the Mandelson DV case. Question two was there pressure? Absolutely. And I’ve described it. And I also
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06.10 EDTMorgan McSweeney says advising Starmer to appoint Mandelson was 'serious error of judgment'Morgan McSweeney is giving evidence now.He starts with an opening statement, which he begins by recognising the harm done to Jeffrey Epstein’s victims.He talks about the importance of public service. double quotation markI’ve spent much of my working life trying, in whatever role I held, to make this country fairer, stronger and more successful. I have always believed public service is a privilege. It brings responsibility and scrutiny, but it also brings a meaningful chance to improve people’s lives. That is what motivated me in government. He moves on to Mandelson. double quotation markThe appointment of Manderson as ambassador was a serious error of judgment. I advised the prime minister in support of that appointment and I was wrong to do so. As I said in my resignation statement, I resigned because I believe responsibility should rest with those who make serious mistakes. Accountability in public life cannot apply only when it is convenient. The prime minister advice relied on my advice and I got it wrong. Share
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