London – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer came to power on a promise to ?govern Britain efficiently after years of political turmoil. Less than two years later, accusations that his office forced through a key appointment have shattered that image of competence.
Embroiled in a scandal over his decision to appoint Labour Party veteran Peter Mandelson to Britain’s top diplomatic post as ambassador to the U.S., Starmer’s grip on power appears to be slipping and his leadership skills are in question. Starmer’s office denies allegations made by Britain’s former top foreign ministry official, Olly Robbins, that it put pressure on his team to accelerate Mandelson’s appointment last year.
But Robbins’ testimony to a parliamentary committee on Tuesday, days after he was sacked, has exposed ?what Starmer’s opponents say is a lack of political instinct and intensified critics’ doubts about how he runs his office.
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