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Trevor Phillips criticises Mandelson appointment, was his best man

journalismApr 19, 2026191,907

Trevor Phillips told Sky News that Peter Mandelson's appointment was "problematic" and said the government's vetting process raised questions. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is due to appear in the Commons to "correct the record" about how Mandelson was vetted as political pressure builds. A senior minister avoided answering questions about Mandelson's security vetting after being shown text messages from The Independent's political editor, increasing scrutiny of No 10's handling of the appointment.

Key Highlights

Trevor Phillips told Sky News Mandelson's appointment was "problematic".
Keir Starmer will go to the Commons to "correct the record".
A minister dodged questions after seeing The Independent political editor's texts.
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