Labour sources are bullish on Starmer’s chances after this first round showdown with Olly Robbins. He’s fighting for survival…
Starmer: “This statement will focus on the process surrounding Peter Mandelson’s vetting and appointment at the heart of this was a decision I made which was wrong. I apologise again to the victims of Epstein who were failed by my decision.”
PM claims that the usual process is for UKSV vetting happen after a political appointment is announced and adds: “I simply do not accept that foreign office officials could not have told me of UKSV’s recommendations.”
Starmer says former Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald wasn’t made aware of the failed vetting either when he conducted an investigation into the Mandelson saga in September.
Lee Anderson, speaking to The Sun, reveals the wokest thing he’s ever done: “I once had a vegetarian thought, about becoming a vegetarian. That was quickly dismissed when I had a bacon sandwich…”