What next for Keir Starmer as Mandelson scandal explodes ahead of showdown with MPs

What next for Keir Starmer as Mandelson scandal explodes ahead of showdown with MPsKeir Starmer's government has been plunged into crisis after it emerged Peter Mandelson was appointed despite failing security vetting - but the PM has insisted he did not knowCommentsNewsDave Burke Political Correspondent and Ashley Cowburn Deputy Political Editor16:35, 17 Apr 2026Updated 16:42, 17 Apr 2026View 6 ImagesKeir Starmer is yet again in a battle for his political survival(Image: House of Commons/AFP via Getty Images)Keir Starmer is fighting for political survival after fresh revelations about Peter Mandelson's appointment plunge the Government into crisis.‌The PM voiced his fury after it emerged the controversial former peer had not been awarded security clearance by the UK Security Vetting (UKSV). Mandelson was nevertheless appointed as ambassador to the US after the Foreign Office overruled the decision in an extraordinary intervention.‌Mr Starmer has insisted he is going nowhere despite a growing clamour from opposition parties for him to step down. In the coming days he faces a make-or-break showdown with MPs as he protests his innocence and points the finger of blame at Whitehall mandarins.‌On Thursday evening the Foreign Office's top official, Sir Olly Robbins, was dismissed. But he could get a chance to tell his side of the story as soon as next week after being invited to address the Foreign Affairs Committee in what could be an explosive session.The next few days are filled with danger for the Prime Minister, with even some of his own backbenchers not convinced about his explanation. Here we look at some of the main points as No10 is again plunged into crisis mode.OPINIONLizzy BuchanInside No10 as 'livid' Starmer sacks official and orders probe into Mandelson vettingPeter Mandelson