545. Burnham Beats Reform: Britain’s Next Prime Minister?
19 June 2026
523. The Starmer-Mandelson Scandal: Lying or Incompetence?
-
Podcast
-
17 April 2026
Can Starmer survive if it emerges he was previously told about Mandelson's failed vetting? Is he developing a pattern of blaming others when things go wrong? Will this lead Labour MPs to start questioning their leader ahead of crucial local elections?
Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more.
__________
Go deeper into the world of The Rest Is Politics by signing up for our free newsletter HERE, featuring exclusive interviews, analysis and weekend reads from Alastair and Rory.
Join The Rest Is Politics Plus. Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair’s miniseries – plus ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, exclusive newsletters, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord.
The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. Stop overpaying for energy. Switch at https://fuseenergy.com/politics and get a free TRIP+ subscription.
Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ nordvpn.com/restispolitics It's risk-free with Nord's 30 day money back guarantee ✅
__________
Instagram: @restispolitics
Twitter: @restispolitics
Email: therestispolitics@goalhanger.com
__________
Social Producer: Celine Charles
Assistant Producer: Daisy Alston-Horne
Producer: Evan Green
Exec Producer: Chris Sawyer
General Manager: Tom Whiter
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Peter Mandelson’s appointment as British ambassador to the US was publicly announced on 20 Dec 25.
Olly Robbins did not formally take up his position as permanent under secretary until 8 Jan 25.
Sounds like No. 10 is making him the scapegoat?
Even IF Mr Robbins found out Mandelson had failed vetting at a later date and failed to inform the PM, how can we have a system where security vetting does not conclude until weeks/months after the appointment?