Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleHolly Evans & Athena StavrouMonday 20 April 2026 08:33 BSTStarmer expected to lead Labour into next election, says ministerSir Keir Starmer is scheduled to address the House of Commons regarding the controversial appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, which proceeded despite security vetting failures.The Prime Minister faces accusations of misleading Parliament and the public, with critics, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, claiming it is 'inconceivable' he was unaware of Lord Mandelson's failed security checks.Sir Keir dismissed Sir Olly Robbins, the former head of the Foreign Office, after it emerged that Downing Street was not informed of the vetting issues, leading to accusations that Sir Olly was 'thrown under the bus'.Whitehall sources allege Sir Keir was previously warned about 'red flags' concerning Lord Mandelson's links to Russia and China, but reportedly disregarded these concerns.The scandal has intensified calls for Sir Keir's resignation from opposition parties and fuelled speculation of a potential leadership challenge within the Labour Party.In fullStarmer-Mandelson latest: Prime minister faces judgement day after calls to resign over vetting scandalThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in