Pippa Crerar
@pippacrerar.bsky.social
📤 152982
📥 253
📝 939
Political Editor, The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/profile/pippacrerar
pinned post!
EXCL: Peter Mandelson failed his security vetting clearance but the decision was overruled by Foreign Office to ensure he could take up his post as ambassador to US - a Guardian investigation by Paul Lewis
@direthoughts.com
& me
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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Revealed: Mandelson failed vetting but Foreign Office overruled decision
Guardian investigation uncovers decision by UK security officials to deny clearance before Mandelson took up role as US ambassador
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/16/revealed-mandelson-failed-vetting-but-foreign-office-overruled-decision
25 days ago
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Apps, activists and an ‘air war’: Essex campaign is test of Reform UK’s professionalisation -
@benquinn75.bsky.social
writes
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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Apps, activists and an ‘air war’: Essex campaign is test of Reform UK’s professionalisation
Nigel Farage’s pary sees this week’s local elections as showcase for new, sleeker approach borrowing from an unlikely source
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/06/reform-uk-professionalisation-essex-local-elections
5 days ago
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NEW: Cabinet ministers have told mutinous Labour MPs any attempt to oust Keir Starmer after elections would unleash chaos for party not easily overcome. But several said that even with PM’s determination to stay in No 10, backbench mood was febrile and events could yet spiral out of control.
6 days ago
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NEW: Labour MPs are calling for end to “endless drama” of leadership speculation, with some warning that repeated briefings about toppling Keir Starmer are putting off voters,
@peterwalker99.bsky.social
reports.
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Labour MPs say ‘endless drama’ of leadership speculation must stop
Downing Street begins fightback against predictions of imminent challenge to Keir Starmer
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/04/labour-mps-say-endless-drama-of-leadership-speculation-must-stop
7 days ago
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Lucy Powell warns there's “no magic bullet” to solve Labour’s problems as MPs grapple with how to navigate election fallout. She declines to say if Keir Starmer is right person to lead party. “I’m not going to get into that." By
@jessicaelgot.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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Lucy Powell says Labour has ‘no magic bullet’ as MPs brace for heavy losses in local elections
Deputy leader plays down leadership talk and says party must focus on long-term challenges rather than personnel
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/03/lucy-powell-no-magic-bullet-labour-britain-problems-local-elections
7 days ago
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Tension and dissent: inside the Green party’s antisemitism struggle - thoughtful read by
@benquinn75.bsky.social
&
@peterwalker99.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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Tension and dissent: inside the Green party’s antisemitism struggle
With a fast-expanding membership and historic electoral gains in sight, the Israel–Palestine debate is testing party unity
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/02/inside-green-party-antisemitism-struggle-israel-palestine
7 days ago
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EXCL: Reform UK’s leading figures have repeatedly promoted new pothole-fixing machine by construction company JCB, while party received £200,000 from British digger maker
@rowenamason.bsky.social
reveals
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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Dig deep! Reform frontbench promotes JCBs after £200,000 donation from firm
Nigel Farage, Lee Anderson and Robert Jenrick, among others, have sung the praises of the JCB PotHole Pro
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/02/reform-uk-funding-promoting-jcb-machine-farage-jenrick-anderson?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
8 days ago
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reposted by
Pippa Crerar
🚨 What will next week’s local and devolved elections bring? For our latest
#PoliticsWeekly
podcast I speak to elections expert
@robfordmancs.bsky.social
about what it all means 👇
www.theguardian.com/politics/aud...
10 days ago
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EXCL: Andy Burnham has credible plan to return to Westminster “within weeks” with mayor expected to use byelection fight to set out new agenda for govt, allies say. Burnham, blocked by NEC from running in Gorton & Denton, has identified seats where MPs are prepared to step aside.
9 days ago
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🚨 What will next week’s local and devolved elections bring? For our latest
#PoliticsWeekly
podcast I speak to elections expert
@robfordmancs.bsky.social
about what it all means 👇
www.theguardian.com/politics/aud...
10 days ago
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BREAKING: UK increases threat level from substantial to severe following Golders Green terror attack, meaning an attack is highly likely in next six months.
10 days ago
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Important from Met Police commissioner Mark Rowley 👇
add a skeleton here at some point
12 days ago
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EXCL: Nigel Farage was given an undisclosed £5m by crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne shortly before announcing he would stand in general election
@annaisaac.bsky.social
reveals
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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Revealed: Nigel Farage was given undisclosed £5m by crypto billionaire in 2024
Reform leader changed his mind about standing as MP after gift from Thai-based crypto tycoon Christopher Harborne
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/29/revealed-nigel-farage-was-given-undisclosed-5m-by-crypto-billionaire-in-2024?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
12 days ago
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Wednesday’s
@theguardian.com
front page: Charles hails alliance of US and Britain in age of division
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
12 days ago
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NEW: Oppo motion on referring Keir Starmer to privileges committee is defeated by 335 votes to 223, majority 112. 15 Labour MPs rebelled & - more worryingly for party chiefs - 53 didn't vote. (Some of these will have been absent for govt business or slipped by whips, rather than abstentions).
12 days ago
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Woops. Even if this was a private event - and he was speaking the truth - it doesn’t feel very… diplomatic
add a skeleton here at some point
13 days ago
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'Seismic change’: how election wins for nationalists in Celtic nations could reshape UK - this is a fascinating read on the constitutional challenges that lie ahead - by
@severincarrell.bsky.social
& Bethan McKernan
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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‘Seismic change’: how election wins for nationalists in Celtic nations could reshape UK
With polls suggesting Plaid Cymru, the SNP and Sinn Féin could be in power after May vote, constitutional challenges may lie ahead
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/07/nationalist-wins-uk-celtic-nations-may-elections
13 days ago
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It looks like attempts to shore up Keir Starmer ahead of privileges vote - with ring round, big beasts rolled out & PM at PLP - have worked. Most Labour MPs convinced that May elections & Iran conflict, mean not time to succumb to Tory political stunt. Whips imposed three line whip just in case.
13 days ago
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Tuesday’s
@theguardian.com
front page: PM pleads for unity among Labour MPs over critical Mandelson vote
theguardian.com/politics/2026/…
13 days ago
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EXCL: Rachel Reeves is considering imposing one-year rent freeze on private sector homes amid growing alarm in government about impact of Iran war on voters’ budgets. Big story from @kiranstacey
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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Rachel Reeves considering rent freeze to limit Iran war fallout
Exclusive: Sources say chancellor is examining exceptional measures to protect household budgets
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/27/rachel-reeves-considering-rent-freeze-to-limit-iran-war-fallout?CMP=Share_iOSApp_
13 days ago
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NEW: Keir Starmer urges PLP to "stick together and fight together" as ministers launch massive operation to shore up his position ahead of vote tomorrow. The PM appears to confirm that Labour MPs will be whipped to vote against Tory motion to refer him to privileges committee over Mandelson row.
13 days ago
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🚨Another nightmare week for Keir Starmer? On latest
#PoliticsWeekly
@kiranstacey.bsky.social
& I discuss how... 🌹Labour MPs & ministers feel Mandelson affair has flicked the switch on PM's future 👑Andy Burnham emerging as favourite successor: but has timing considerations(and no seat!)
13 days ago
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NEW: No 10 publishes letter that Chris Wormald, then cabinet secretary, sent to Keir Starmer in Sept about Mandelson appointment process. “The evidence I have reviewed leads me to conclude that appropriate processes were followed in both the appointment and withdrawal of the former HMA Washington.
14 days ago
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EXCL: Police are assessing evidence about donations to Robert Jenrick’s campaign to become Tory leader in 2024 after a referral from the elections watchdog. Cracking reporting from
@rowenamason.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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Police assess evidence on £40,000 donation to Robert Jenrick’s campaign
Exclusive: Some donations to 2024 Tory leadership campaign allegedly originated from US businessman in breach of electoral rules
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/27/police-assess-claim-robert-jenrick-accepted-donation-from-foreign-donor
14 days ago
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EXCL: Keir Starmer will face vote on whether to launch investigation into claims he misled the Commons over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador. Sources tell us that Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, expected to allow debate on Tuesday on referring PM to privileges committee.
14 days ago
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reposted by
Pippa Crerar
Jessica Elgot
17 days ago
“The focus groups I have seen are like actual gold dust. People say things like ‘he cares about people like us’. Do you know how rare it is to see that about a politician?“ Our read, on the consensus forming around Andy Burnham. With
@kiranstacey.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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‘It’s Andy or bust’: MPs could keep Starmer in place to give Burnham time to return
Labour MPs are reportedly urging colleagues to demand Burnham’s return in order to position him as Starmer’s eventual successor
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/24/its-andy-or-bust-could-burnhams-return-to-parliament-save-starmer?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
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reposted by
Pippa Crerar
Kiran Stacey
19 days ago
EXC: Several cabinet ministers spoke out at cabinet yesterday about the decision to sack Olly Robbins, the Guardian has been told.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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Ministers speak out in cabinet meeting over Keir Starmer’s sacking of Olly Robbins
Sources say cabinet ministers warned PM against alienating civil service after firing of official over Mandelson scandal
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/22/olly-robbins-starmer-sacking-ministers-cabinet-meeting
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EXCL: Morgan McSweeney, Keir Starmer’s former chief of staff, has been summoned before the foreign affairs select committee. McSweeney to appear next Tuesday to respond to allegations that No 10 put huge pressure on officials to approve Mandelson’s appointment.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s former chief of staff, to be questioned by MPs
Exclusive: McSweeney summoned by foreign affairs select committee in rare step, as Mandelson vetting row continues
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/22/morgan-mcsweeney-starmer-former-chief-of-staff-to-be-questioned-by-mps?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
19 days ago
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ANALYSIS: As the PM’s fate lay in doubt, Labour MPs plotted the party’s future direction -
@jessicaelgot.bsky.social
@alethaadu.bsky.social
(One thing all the chatter about Labour leadership misses is what any potential successor would actually *do* on policy)
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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As the PM’s fate lay in doubt, Labour MPs plotted the party’s future direction
Former ministers rounded on government’s fiscal rules and called for new policies on tax and the economy
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/21/as-the-pms-future-lay-in-doubt-labour-mps-plotted-the-partys-future-direction?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
19 days ago
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Wednesday’s
@theguardian.com
front page: Robbins accuses No 10 of applying huge pressure over Mandelson job
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
19 days ago
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🔥Oliver Robbins reveals that No 10 tried to get Matthew Doyle, Keir Starmer's former aide, a posting as an ambo in March 25. He was under "strict instruction" not to discuss with then foreign sec. Lord Doyle, awarded peerage by Starmer, was suspended after he publicly supported a sex offender.
20 days ago
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Extraordinary testimony from Olly Robbins to foreign affairs committee: - he was subject to “constant pressure” from No 10 when at foreign office to get Peter Mandelson in post asap. - fcdo was urged to allow Mandelson’s appointment as ambo *without* usual vetting process - but dept pushed back
20 days ago
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‘It’s soul-destroying’: struggle to house vulnerable children can leave breaking law as only option - such important reporting from
@lexytopping.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
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‘It’s soul-destroying’: struggle to house vulnerable children can leave breaking law as only option
Social workers in England say they often have no choice but to place children in unregistered settings because no one else will take them
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/apr/19/struggle-house-vulnerable-breaking-law-only-option?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
20 days ago
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Tuesday’s
@theguardian.com
front page: Starmer on collision course with Robbins over Mandelson vetting
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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Starmer accuses Robbins of obstructing truth about Mandelson vetting
PM admits he made mistake in choice of ambassador as he makes high-stakes statement to parliament over scandal
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/20/keir-starmer-olly-robbins-commons-statement-peter-mandelson-vetting?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
20 days ago
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EXCL: Intelligence & Security Committee has now been handed the vetting information the cabinet office received several weeks ago. Understand this includes short summary doc including details of Mandelson’s personal life, financial & business dealings - which PM is now believed to have seen.
20 days ago
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🚨 Judgement day for Keir Starmer? The PM has updated the Commons on what he knew, and when, on Peter Mandelson’s vetting. Was it enough to convince his party and the public he should not resign? @kiranstacey & I chew it over on latest
#PoliticsWeekly
podcast…
www.theguardian.com/politics/aud...
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Judgment day for Starmer? – podcast
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the prime minister’s statement to the House of Commons over the latest Peter Mandelson scandal
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/audio/2026/apr/20/judgment-day-for-keir-starmer-podcast?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
20 days ago
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🚨 Judgement day for Keir Starmer? The PM has updated the Commons on what he knew, and when, on Peter Mandelson’s vetting. Was it enough to convince his party and the public he should not resign? @kiranstacey & I chew it over on latest
#PoliticsWeekly
podcast
www.theguardian.com/politics/aud...
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Judgment day for Starmer? – podcast
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the prime minister’s statement to the House of Commons over the latest Peter Mandelson scandal
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/audio/2026/apr/20/judgment-day-for-keir-starmer-podcast?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
20 days ago
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Labour whips’ “lines to to take” sent to MPs for Keir Starmer’s statement. Already getting messages from Labour MPs stunned that Epstein abuse victim is being used to attack Peter Mandelson.
21 days ago
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NEW: Simon Case, the former cabinet secretary, advised Keir Starmer to do Mandelson’s security vetting *before* his appointment as UK ambo to US. Docs were buried in those released for humble address - but there doesn’t appear to have been a response.
21 days ago
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My dog is the one on the left 😬. Time to call the groomer!
add a skeleton here at some point
21 days ago
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NEW: Downing Street is attempting to demolish the argument from Olly Robbins’ allies that he was prevented by law from telling ministers that Mandelson had failed vetting, ahead of key Commons statement on Monday.
21 days ago
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NEW: Richard Tice failed to pay almost £100,000 in corporation tax, benefiting his investment company which made large donations to Reform UK. First time Reform's deputy leader's tax affairs can be directly linked to finances of Nigel Farage's party.
22 days ago
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EXCL: Keir Starmer would have blocked Peter Mandelson from serving as UK ambassador had he known he failed security vetting, David Lammy tells me. Deputy PM also says: - it was “inexplicable” that Oliver Robbins opted to leave Downing Street in dark over outcome.
22 days ago
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"David Lammy, the deputy prime minister, was on a military flight back from the Middle East when he was summoned to the cockpit by the captain who told him that No 10 needed to speak to him urgently over the radio." Our piece on how Mandelson vetting row unfolded
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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‘Pure shock’: how ministers reacted to revelation of Mandelson vetting failure
Inquiries into who knew what, and when, will be pored over in coming weeks and could ultimately decide Starmer’s fate
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/18/pure-shock-how-ministers-reacted-to-revelation-of-mandelson-vetting-failure
23 days ago
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ANALYSIS: ‘Almost like a Bond villain’: why Labour MPs expect Starmer to cling on as PM - by
@peterwalker99.bsky.social
& co
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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‘Almost like a Bond villain’: why Labour MPs expect Starmer to cling on as PM
While the Labour leader is deeply unpopular, several factors – including the Iran war – seem to be delaying his exit
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/17/labour-mps-keir-starmer-prime-minister
23 days ago
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Quite a lot of confusion over this, so this is an important explainer: What happens during security vetting and why did Peter Mandelson fail his? 👇
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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What happens during security vetting and why did Peter Mandelson fail his?
Almost all officials working in Foreign Office HQ undergo process before gaining access to top secret material
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/17/what-happens-security-vetting-peter-mandelson
23 days ago
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Saturday’s
@theguardian.com
front page: Starmer warned he faces ‘judgement day’ next week
theguardian.com/politics/2026/…
23 days ago
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NEW: Keir Starmer says it's "staggering" and "unforgiveable" that he wasn't told Peter Mandelson failed security vetting - and that he's "absolutely furious" about it. He'll address MPs on Monday.
24 days ago
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NEW: Yvette Cooper only became aware that Peter Mandelson had failed security vetting when approached by Guardian on Thursday, I’m told. Foreign sec then spent evening in FCDO and Downing Street with the PM where she spoke to Sir Olly Robbins. They concluded he could no longer continue in post.
24 days ago
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Friday’s
@theguardian.com
front page: Starmer in peril as top official ousted over Mandelson row
24 days ago
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BREAKING: Top foreign office civil servant Sir Olly Robbins is leaving his post. Understand that Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper have lost confidence in him after he failed to tell PM & No 10 that Peter Mandelson failed security vetting.
24 days ago
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