The Scottish Labour leader has delivered a scathing assessment of the controversy surrounding Peter Mandelson's consideration for the role of US ambassador, describing the situation as an "utter disgrace" while maintaining support for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to continue in his position.
Sarwar's Strong Condemnation
Anas Sarwar has stated unequivocally that Lord Mandelson should "never even have been considered" for the prestigious diplomatic posting to Washington DC. The Scottish Labour leader, who previously described Mandelson as an "old friend" when the appointment was announced, now declares the former government minister "a shame to our nation".
"People will be absolutely furious," Mr Sarwar told journalists. "Peter Mandelson has betrayed his country, he has betrayed the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, he has betrayed this country, and he has betrayed the party he once belonged to, and he should feel the full force of the law."
Epstein Connection Revelations
The controversy centres on revelations about Lord Mandelson's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with the Metropolitan Police now investigating allegations of misconduct in public office. Emails appear to show the former minister passed government information to Epstein during the height of the financial crisis.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed to the House of Commons on Wednesday that he was aware of the relationship between Lord Mandelson and the paedophile financier before appointing him as the UK's ambassador to the United States.
Scottish Political Reactions
Scottish First Minister John Swinney has been equally critical, stating that the latest revelations have left the reputation of the Prime Minister's Government "in tatters". Speaking during First Minister's Questions at Holyrood on Thursday, Mr Swinney expressed his absolute appallment at the situation.
"I am absolutely appalled by the revelations that have come forward in recent days about the involvement of Peter Mandelson in sharing information, at the height of the financial crisis, with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted paedophile," Mr Swinney declared.
Questions of Judgment
The Scottish First Minister emphasised that Mandelson was "doing that as a serving government minister and that somehow was overlooked when he became Keir Starmer's nominee to be the United Kingdom's ambassador to the United States." He described this as "an absolutely atrocious set of circumstances, and appalling judgment by the Prime Minister."
Scottish Green MSP Patrick Harvie went further, insisting the appointment showed "catastrophic judgment" by the Prime Minister and that Sir Keir's position is now "completely untenable". Mr Harvie stated: "It is clear that his time is up. It is not a matter of if he will resign over this, it is only a question of when."
Labour's Internal Position
Despite the strong criticism of the Mandelson consideration, Mr Sarwar has backed the Prime Minister to keep his job, confirming that Sir Keir should stay on until at least the Holyrood election in May. This position contrasts with calls from opposition figures for the Prime Minister's resignation over the matter.
Lord Mandelson has since quit the Labour Party in light of the revelations, with Mr Sarwar adding: "It's right he's not a member of the Labour Party and he should be stripped of all his titles, and it is right he is now investigated by the police."
Cabinet Minister's Defence
Elsewhere in Westminster, senior UK Cabinet minister Steve Reed has defended the Prime Minister and his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, claiming they were not "at fault" as they had been lied to by Lord Mandelson. "You're only as good as the information you receive," Mr Reed stated, blaming the vetting process for failing to disprove Lord Mandelson's claims that his relationship with the convicted sex offender "was next to nothing".
Mr Sarwar concluded his remarks with a firm statement about the diplomatic appointment: "It is abundantly clear Peter Mandelson was not fit to be ambassador the US, he should not even have been considered for the job." The Scottish Labour leader's comments reflect the deepening political crisis surrounding what has become one of the most controversial diplomatic appointments in recent political history.
