2 hours ago

Jennifer McKiernan Political reporter

BBC

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is in Paris for talks on the Iran war

Sir Keir Starmer has said it's "staggering" that he, as prime minister, was not told about Lord Peter Mandelson failing to pass initial security vetting checks.

The prime minister is facing calls to resign over the revelation that vetting officers recommended against Lord Mandelson's being appointed as US ambassador, but that recommendation was overruled by the Foreign Office.

Sir Olly Robbins, who was two weeks into the job heading up the Foreign Office at the time, was effectively sacked by Sir Keir last night.

Opposition parties are calling for Sir Keir to resign, with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch saying the explanation so far is "completely preposterous" and "all roads lead to resignation".

At a press conference in Westminster, she said Sir Keir "cannot hope" to continue leading the country due to his "incompetence," accusing him of being "so blinded by his own righteousness…