Sam Coates: Starmer’s Mandelson Vetting Crisis – What Really Happened Behind the Scenes

Robbins “Fixed It” for Number 10

Sam Coates says Robbins “did Number 10 a favour” because going back after the public announcement and saying the appointment could not happen was politically impossible. Robbins cleared Mandelson quietly, even though he did not get the very highest level of clearance.

Coates adds that Robbins has now done Number 10 a second favour by taking the blame, claiming he did not tell anyone about the UKSV verdict because it would be inappropriate.

Starmer’s Position Under Fire

The Prime Minister insists he was not told that Mandelson failed vetting. But critics say Number 10 must have known or should have checked after public reports raised concerns in September 2025.

Coates concludes: “Number 10 wanted Mandelson come what may. They rammed it through. They had not wanted to heed the warnings earlier, and were in too deep.”

• Number 10 ignored multiple warnings about Mandelson
• UKSV said no — Foreign Office overruled
• Olly Robbins took the fall after quitting
• Starmer insists he and ministers were never told
• Opposition parties now demanding resignation

Reform UK: National Security Scandal

Reform UK has led calls for Starmer’s resignation, describing the affair as the biggest scandal in British politics for over a century. The party says appointing someone who failed top-level security vetting to represent Britain in Washington is unacceptable and raises serious national security questions.

What This Means for Britain

This scandal has exposed deep problems at the heart of the Labour Government. At a time when Britain faces serious global threats, the public expects the highest standards of judgment and integrity in sensitive diplomatic roles. Instead, political loyalty appears to have trumped national security.

With local elections weeks away, the Mandelson affair is likely to fuel further anger among voters. Reform UK’s consistent demand for accountability, real leadership and putting British interests first is resonating strongly as the public grows tired of sleaze and excuses.

Share if you believe Keir Starmer must take full responsibility for the Mandelson vetting scandal.

This article is a factual summary of Sam Coates’ analysis on Sky News. Full original story available on their website. All quotes directly attributed.