Peter Mandelson 'failed security vetting but became UK's Trump whisperer anyway'

Peter Mandelson 'failed security vetting but became UK's Trump whisperer anyway'Peter Mandelson was not granted clearance by UK Security Vetting (UKSV) before being named as the UK's Ambassador to Washington, according to an investigation by The GuardianCommentsNewsDave Burke Political Correspondent 16:28, 16 Apr 2026Updated 16:32, 16 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesPeter Mandelson was named as Ambassador to the US in January last year(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Peter Mandelson was appointed US Ambassador despite failing his security vetting clearance, it has been sensationally claimed.‌The disgraced former peer was denied clearance in January last year after a thorough check by security officials, according to The Guardian. The newspaper reports that the UK Security Vetting (UKSV) - which oversees high-profile and sensitive appointments - refused to grant him clearance in the pre-appointment process.‌It is reported that this rejection came after Keir Starmer had announced Lord Mandelson was to be the UK's 'Trump whisperer'. The Foreign Office stepped in to override the UKSV decision, it is claimed - an extremely rare occurrence. It is unclear if the Prime Minister was informed, but will pile further pressure on Mr Starmer as he faces scrutiny over the appointment.‌The then-Labour peer was sacked in September last year after emails were published, throwing new light on his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.The day before Mandelson's sacking, on September 11, the PM told the Commons at PMQs, in response to a question by Kemi Badenoch: "As the right hon. Lady and the House would expect, full due process was followed during this appointment, as it is with all ambassadors."READ MORE: Ex-cop MP shares harrowing frontline experiences as he makes emotional pleaREAD MORE: Sickening failures mean online child sex abuse victims forced to wait two years for helpView 3 ImagesMandelson was sacked after just seven...