Undoubtedly Keir Starmer’s appointment of Peter Mandelson raises serious questions about his judgement and the role of strategists in a parliamentary democracy.

At one point it seemed inevitable that the endorsement of a man dubbed the “Prince of Darkness” would bring the prime minister down.

He should be held to account for this grave error, but he should not be forced to resign over it.

It is widely accepted that Morgan McSweeney pushed for the Washington appointment and Starmer signed it off.

They were well aware of Mandelson’s transgressions and gave him the posting because of, not despite, his lack of scruples.

He was apparently the ideal candidate to shmooze an unpredictable, unstable president.

Mandelson moved in the same circle of billionaires surrounding Trump and Epstein.

He could charm the Maga faithful and would be in his element riding the winds of political uncertainty.

A political heavyweight who could navigate the choppy waters and develop a strong relationship with the Trump administration.

The “attributes” of Mandelson, a key figure in the Labour party for decades, meant that it was possible to skim over the fact that he had been forced to resign twice and had close ties with a man who trafficked children and young women for the rich and powerful.

A swamp dweller was appointed to navigate the swamp.

In September 2025, Starmer sacked Mandelson after a batch of emails were published showing that he had remained friends with the late........

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