Labour MSP Monica Lennon has said there will be “soul-searching” in the party this weekend following a bruising week over the appointment and subsequent sacking of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, Lennon said the scandal had overshadowed the government's good work.
Lennon, a former leadership contender, said mentioning Mandelson’s name “makes my skin crawl”, accusing him of abusing his position and public trust. She called for “accountability”, stating that “it can’t just be someone steps down from a role, or there’s an apology”.
The Metropolitan Police is investigating Lord Mandelson over allegations of misconduct in public office, relating to files appearing to show him sharing government information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during the financial crash. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer admitted he knew of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein before hiring him.
Lennon added: “I can’t speak for colleagues, but I know there is a lot of anger, people are disgusted – this isn’t the change that we wanted.” She noted that the scandal had become a distraction from achievements such as removing the two-child benefit cap.
