Prime Minister Keir Starmer came to power on a promise to govern Britain efficiently after years of political turmoil. Less than two years later, accusations that his office forced through a key appointment have shattered that image of competence.

Embroiled in a scandal over his decision to ‌appoint Labour Party veteran Peter Mandelson to Britain's top diplomatic post as ambassador to the U.S., Starmer's grip on power appears to be slipping and his leadership skills are in question.

Starmer's office denies allegations made by Britain's former top foreign ministry official, Olly Robbins, that it put pressure on his team to accelerate Mandelson's appointment last year.

But Robbins' testimony to a parliamentary committee on Tuesday, days after he was sacked, has exposed ‌what Starmer's opponents say is a lack of political instinct and intensified critics' doubts about how he runs his office.

Three people close ⁠to his Downing Street operation told Reuters there had been an over-reliance on a small group of trusted advisers that meant Starmer, who ⁠once vowed to "end the chaos of sleaze", ⁠had been blindsided by outside events and become detached from his party and the public.

"Starmer presented himself as if he was going to be holier-than-thou and at least competent," Chris ‌Hopkins, political research director at polling firm Savanta, told Reuters.

"When you lose what are your main selling points you don't have much left."

'CONSTANT PRESSURE' OVER APPOINTMENT

Starmer appointed Mandelson, 72,........

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