Foreign Secretary Expresses Fury Over Controversial Diplomatic Appointment
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has publicly declared her "anger" regarding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to Washington DC, stating unequivocally that he "should never have been appointed". Her explosive comments emerge during a period of intense internal scrutiny for the Labour government, with senior figures increasingly vocal about what they perceive as a problematic "boys' club" culture within Number 10 Downing Street.
Cabinet Minister's Remarks Amid Government Turmoil
The senior Cabinet minister's remarks follow a series of controversies that have reportedly "rocked" Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's authority. These include not only the appointments of Lord Mandelson and Lord Matthew Doyle—both figures associated with convicted sex offenders—but also three significant departures from Downing Street and a direct call for the Prime Minister's resignation from Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.
Speaking candidly on the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, Ms Cooper directly confronted suggestions of a toxic culture within government circles. "I do actually feel, I mean, I feel really actually quite angry about some of the issues that we've had around, look, Peter Mandelson should never have been appointed," she stated emphatically. "We have had, obviously, debates in Westminster, but actually the real focus should be on Jeffrey Epstein's victims, and also the work that this Labour Government has been doing to tackle violence against women and girls."
Prime Minister's Response and International Positioning
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer utilized his platform at the prestigious Munich Security Conference to address mounting domestic challenges, insisting he had "ended the week much stronger" than he began it. He also affirmed to The Sun On Sunday his firm intention to lead Labour into the next general election, despite growing internal calls for him to step aside from leadership.
During his keynote speech at the international security gathering, Sir Keir launched a pointed and vigorous attack on the defence credentials of both the Green Party and Reform UK. He issued a stark warning that "the lamps would go out across Europe once again" should either party gain political power—a statement delivered as both parties actively contest Labour's majority in the crucial Gorton and Denton by-election.
Foreign Secretary Dismisses Suggestions of Political Weakness
When questioned on Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips about whether these aggressive attacks on political rivals indicated the Prime Minister was feeling "rattled" by their rising popularity in recent opinion polls, Foreign Secretary Cooper firmly dismissed the notion. "I don't think that's the case at all," she responded decisively.
"The partnerships that Keir Starmer has built with other leaders, the work that we are doing together, is immensely important. That's what I see here at the Munich Security Conference, is the respect towards the UK, towards the Prime Minister for the work that he's done, the leadership he's shown." Her comments sought to reinforce the government's international standing while simultaneously addressing domestic criticisms.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Mandelson's appointment continues to highlight deeper tensions within the Labour government, raising significant questions about appointment processes, political culture, and the appropriate focus of political discourse during times of institutional scrutiny.
