Starmer has spent the week 1) admitting that he was told about Mandelson’s ongoing friendship with Epstein post-conviction and 2) claiming that Mandelson was dishonest about that very thing. Here is every scandal Starmer has pleaded ignorance over:
- Peter Mandelson & Epstein: Didn’t know about the “depth” of Mandelson’s friendship with Epstein despite being told about it in an official vetting document.
- Football Regulator Appointment: Accidentally approving the appointment of David Kogan despite being recused from football matters.
- Israeli Football Fan Ban: The UK Football Policing Unit told the Home Office about the restrictions on visiting fans from Maccabi Tel Aviv the week before it was announced. Number 10 said no one told Starmer.
- China Espionage Case: Not involved, never saw anything, it was only Matt Collins.
- The first Mandelson & Epstein: “Had I known then what I know now, I’d have never appointed him.”
- Louise Haigh’s Criminal Record: Claimed there was “further information” that was revealed to him that led to her sacking.
- Rayner’s First Housing Scandal: Didn’t need to see the ‘legal advice’ claiming appropriate capital gains tax was paid.
- Grooming Gangs Prosecutions: “Decisions were made by subordinates or that he was not briefed on relevant cases.”
- Andrew Malkinson’s Wrongful Conviction: “Never crossed his desk.”
- Post Office Scandal: “I didn’t see these particular cases. I don’t even know yet what they were about, whether they come within the cohort that is of concern.”
- Al-Fayed Investigation: “These decisions did not cross my desk.”
More to come…
