United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure after revelations that security vetting officials advised against appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States. The recommendation was reportedly overridden by Foreign Office officials without Starmer’s knowledge, prompting renewed calls from political opponents for his resignation.

Mandelson, a veteran Labour figure, was appointed to the diplomatic post but later dismissed over his past ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The controversy has raised questions about Starmer’s judgment and the government’s internal decision-making process.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who led the Foreign Office at the time and now serves as justice secretary, defended Starmer. He told the Guardian newspaper that he believed the prime minister would never have approved the appointment had he been aware of the failed vetting.

Starmer has pledged to provide full disclosure in a statement to parliament, while senior members of his Labour Party have so far refrained from publicly criticizing him despite opposition demands for him to step down.