Starmer insists cabinet is united after sacking of top aide over Mandelson vetting row

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is standing firm after reports surfaced of unease within his cabinet over the sacking of his chief of staff, Olly Robbins. Robbins was dismissed last week following an internal review into how Peter Mandelson's vetting process was managed ahead of a proposed diplomatic role. Starmer has insisted the government remains cohesive, saying ministers are aligned on pushing forward with their policy agenda despite the turmoil.

The controversy began when questions arose about whether proper due diligence was conducted on Mandelson, a veteran Labour figure with a polarizing history, before he was considered for a sensitive overseas posting. Civil service head Cat Little confirmed she met with officials in March to examine Foreign Office records related to the vetting process. While Little hasn't released findings, her involvement has added weight to concerns about procedural missteps at the highest levels.

According to sources familiar with a recent cabinet meeting, several ministers expressed discomfort with how Robbins was removed, describing the move as abrupt and questioning whether he was made a scapegoat. The discussion grew tense, with some pushing for more transparency about what exactly went wrong and who bore responsibility. Such open dissent is unusual so early in a government's term, making the exchange a notable moment of internal friction.

Despite the murmurs, Starmer has downplayed the rift. In public remarks, he emphasized that disagreements in government are normal and that the cabinet continues to operate as a team. He reiterated his confidence in the current leadership structure and stressed that accountability was necessary to maintain public trust, especially on appointments involving national representation.

The Robbins sacking has reignited debate about loyalty, process, and the balance of power within Starmer's inner circle. Robbins was seen as a key architect of the prime minister's strategic discipline during opposition, and his departure leaves a significant gap. His removal also raises questions about how much oversight senior civil servants should have in political appointments and whether safeguards were overlooked in the rush to place allies in key roles.

Opposition figures have seized on the episode, calling for a fuller explanation and suggesting the government may be hiding deeper issues. Meanwhile, allies of Starmer argue that swift action demonstrates seriousness about standards in public life-a message they say resonates with voters tired of political scandals.

As the story develops, attention will likely shift to what Cat Little's review ultimately uncovers and whether further consequences follow. For now, Starmer is betting that a show of calm authority will steady the ship, even as whispers of discontent linger behind closed doors.