Yvette Cooper has come to the defense of Keir Starmer’s decision-making as tensions within the Labour Party escalate over the Peter Mandelson controversy.

The Foreign Secretary, who engaged in urgent discussions with the Prime Minister following the exposure of emails sent by the US Ambassador regarding Jeffrey Epstein, asserted that dismissing Mandelson was the right move. However, doubts linger regarding the initial choice to appoint him last year. Labour backbencher Clive Lewis publicly expressed concerns about the PM’s competency and highlighted a sense of unease among MPs.

When questioned about the rationale behind Lord Mandelson’s appointment and its impact on the PM’s judgement, Ms. Cooper, while visiting Kyiv, Ukraine, explained that new information that had surfaced post-appointment led to the decision to remove him.

Addressing any potential red flags surrounding Mandelson’s appointment, she emphasized the importance of the new information that prompted the timely action taken.

Meanwhile, Labour frontbencher Douglas Alexander justified Mandelson’s selection as the UK’s liaison with the US due to the unconventional nature of the White House administration. Despite expressing repulsion over Mandelson’s correspondence with Epstein, Alexander acknowledged Mandelson’s unique skills as an effective US Ambassador.

In response to the unfolding events, Downing Street reaffirmed confidence in its leadership team, including chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, amidst questions regarding the latter’s involvement in the Mandelson appointment.

The SNP has tabled a motion calling for the removal of Mandelson’s peerage, with MP Brendan O’Hara emphasizing the necessity of accountability and transparency in addressing the scandal.

The ongoing saga has raised questions about Starmer’s decision-making ability, reputation, and authority, placing significant scrutiny on the Prime Minister as the situation unfolds.