The State Of It: Starmer picks a fight with the wrong guy

The State of It podcast dissects the escalating political crisis surrounding Prime Minister Keir Starmer's decision to sack Foreign Office Permanent Secretary Ollie Robbins over the security vetting of Peter Mandelson. Robbins' dramatic appearance before the Foreign Affairs Select Committee revealed that Starmer's government had exerted intense pressure to fast-track Mandelson's appointment despite concerns from UK Security Vetting (UKSV), which flagged a 'borderline' case. Robbins argued that the decision was political, not procedural, and that he was forced to proceed under duress from Number 10, while maintaining that he had no knowledge of the full vetting report. The episode also exposes a deeper scandal: Starmer's attempt to appoint Robbins' former aide, Matthew Doyle—a man with a history of associating with a convicted paedophile—further undermining the government's credibility. The hosts argue that Starmer has picked a fight with the wrong opponent, as Robbins' well-prepared, fact-based testimony has shifted the narrative from process to political recklessness. With more Mandelson files expected to be released post-election and a looming parliamentary crisis, Starmer's authority is severely weakened, and his ability to govern effectively is now in serious doubt.