Starmer made ‘biggest mistake of his life’ in appointing Mandelson, Labour backbencher says

Sir Keir Starmer’s appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to the US has been labeled the “biggest mistake of his life” by a leading backbencher.

Jo White, who chairs the influential Red Wall group of Labor MPs, made the scathing assessment, adding that the government needed to “cleanse itself” of the problems arising from the inquiry scandal.

Following reports of a split in his cabinet, the Prime Minister denied the allegations, accusing his opponents of being politically motivated.

Asked if she accepted calls for Sir Keir to resign, Ms White told GB News: “Obviously I heard those conversations from the sidelines.

“I walked around my constituency and spoke to local people and no one told me they thought it was time for Keir Starmer to go.

“Obviously they expressed concern about exactly what happened and where we are right now.

“But people have told me there is a big job to be done and their focus is on solving the cost of living crisis. “I met Sir Keir with the Red Wall group yesterday and our discussion was not about Peter Mandelson.

“Our focus was on rebuilding industry and growing in our constituencies.”

He added: “He made the biggest mistake of his life.

“He’s admitted that, and I think the biggest thing he needs to do is reiterate his commitment to cleaning up our politics, because we can only rebuild trust if we clean up the problems.”

The Prime Minister has faced criticism after it emerged Downing Street may have considered giving former spin doctor Lord Matthew Doyle a diplomatic job.

Ms White, MP for Bassetlaw, said: “You don’t employ people who have served in your government or in Number 10.

“There should be no expectations.

“For example, if I have staff who are doing a good job, I don’t look at where they go next.

“I can give them a little raise.

“I can give them a box of chocolates.”