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.
Douglas Alexander – a friend of Starmer’s – was asked on Sky News if the PM will be in post at the next election. He wasn’t so sure himself:
“I think he will. There are no certainties but of course I think he will lead and I think he should because, frankly, on the biggest call in this parliament he’s exercised the right judgment, which is to keep us out of someone else’s war.”