Sir Keir Starmer is facing mounting criticism as another senior Labour figure, Jonathan Powell, is accused of accessing sensitive roles without proper security vetting. This controversy follows the ongoing scandal involving Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US Ambassador, raising concerns about systemic failures in the government’s security protocols.

Second Labour Figure Involved

New revelations suggest that Jonathan Powell, Tony Blair’s former chief of staff and now Sir Keir’s Special Envoy for negotiations with Mauritius over the sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory, began his work without the necessary Developed Vetting (DV) clearance.

Access to Classified Information

According to reports, Powell had already attended meetings with the Foreign Office and accessed classified information, including minutes of discussions involving the Prime Minister, before his formal vetting process commenced. This situation mirrors the Mandelson case, where the former minister was granted access to the Foreign Office, IT systems, and classified documents before his clearance was approved.

Vetting Timeline Questioned

Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keir’s former right-hand man, testified before the Foreign Affairs Committee that Powell’s vetting only began after his appointment as National Security Adviser in November 2024. McSweeney admitted that Powell was appointed to his initial role as Chagos envoy without the required security checks, raising questions about the government’s commitment to safeguarding sensitive information.

Concerns Over Diego Garcia

The Prime Minister’s office has yet to clarify what level of access Powell had to classified documents during his early involvement in the Chagos negotiations, which involve the strategically vital US-UK Diego Garcia airbase. Concerns have also been raised about potential conflicts of interest, as Powell’s company, Inter Mediate, had business dealings in China at the time.

Calls for Investigation

Ben Obese-Jecty, a vocal critic of Powell’s appointment, accused Sir Keir of systemic negligence in security clearances, describing the situation as a 'chumocracy' where political loyalty outweighs national security. He called for a parliamentary investigation into Powell’s access to sensitive information and his meetings in China while handling the Chagos negotiations.

Government Response

When questioned in Parliament about Powell’s security clearance, Sir Keir evaded a direct response, instead praising Powell’s contributions to the government. The Foreign Office has maintained that Powell was granted access to information in line with established procedures.

Lack of Transparency

However, the lack of transparency surrounding the appointment has fueled further skepticism, particularly after it was revealed that no official record exists of the meeting where Sir Keir decided to appoint Lord Mandelson as US Ambassador. A No 10 spokesman acknowledged the need for improved internal processes but insisted that the government was committed to transparency.

Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch expressed astonishment at the absence of records, stating that such decisions are typically documented by private secretaries. The unfolding scandal has cast a shadow over Sir Keir’s leadership, with critics arguing that his administration is prioritizing political expediency over national security.