The ghost of Peter Mandelson.

 It appears according to The Guardian that Lord Peter Mandelson, failed his security vetting process. However this was overruled by senior officials in the Foreign Office, namely Sir Ollie Robbins, the permanent secretary. He has now been sacked by Starmer. The plot thickens however as apparently he was only told on Tuesday that Mandelson had failed his security clearance. There are three interlocked issues: the prime minister is either - incompetent, naïve or a liar? How is it possible that such an important appointment - as our ambassador to the United States, can occur not know the details? However in terms of a - duty of care - the credibility of the vetting process is contingent on a - duty not to tell. Otherwise a candidate for a senior role in government - would not be completely candid. As they might fear that such a role might make him or her unsuitable.