British Prime Minister Keir Starmer came to power on a promise to ?govern Britain efficiently after years of political turmoil. Less than two years later, accusations that his office forced through a key appointment have shattered that image of competence.
Embroiled in a scandal over his decision to appoint Labour Party veteran Peter Mandelson to Britain¡¯s top diplomatic post as ambassador to the U.S., Starmer¡¯s grip on power appears to be slipping and his leadership skills are in question. Starmer¡¯s office denies allegations made by Britain¡¯s former top foreign ministry official, Olly Robbins, that it put pressure on his team to accelerate Mandelson¡¯s appointment last year.
But Robbins¡¯ testimony to a parliamentary committee on Tuesday, days after he was sacked, has exposed ?what Starmer¡¯s opponents say is a lack of political instinct and intensified critics¡¯ doubts about how he runs his office.
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