Starmer Faces Scrutiny Over Mandelson Appointment

0:00This is Corey, and here's what is making news across Sydney right now. The British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces fresh scrutiny over his decision to appoint Peter Manelson to a top diplomatic post last year. Manelson, a former Labour Minister, was forced out in September after details emerged about his ongoing friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. The Convicted Sex Offender New government documents confirmed their ties continued after Epstein's 2008 conviction for procuring an underage girl. These files, released under pressure from opposition conservatives, reveal Manelson's stated Epstein's house in June 2009 while Epstein was in jail. The relationships span 2009 to 2011, including Manelson's time as business minister. More documents are withheld due to an ongoing police probe into Manelson. Politicians expressed outrage over the rushed vetting process. Chief Lawmaker Alex Burkhart called it unbelievable that Starmer, once the top prosecutor,

1:02missed the red flags. Lawmakers were also shocked by Manelson's demand for 547,201 pounds in severance pay after his sacking. He received 75,000 pounds instead. The government says it has learned lessons and fixed weaknesses in the appointment system. Chief Secretary Darren Jones told Parliament Steps were taken to improve checks. Meanwhile, Manelson quit the House of Lords in February over the Epstein links and was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public, office. He's out on bail and denies recalling any payments from Epstein amid US files suggesting he leaked government documents to the sex offender. Thanks to our sponsor for supporting today's coverage, do not just fall asleep, drift into what you are listening to. S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com