Starmer's Mandelson Ambassador Pick Backfires

0:00It's April 28th. This is U.S. News Today, AI-powered stories shaping the nation. I'm Cory with the story. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is catching major heat over picking Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States. His former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, admitted Tuesday, it was a serious mistake to recommend the job, especially with Mandelson's ties to. Jeffrey Epstein McSweeney said Starmer trusted his advice and he got it wrong. Many apologized to Epstein's victims for any added pain from the drama and denied meddling in the process. This came during testimony to the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, which is probing how Mandelson landed the role despite security red, flags. Lawmakers are fired up, with opposition conservatives accusing Starmer of misleading Parliament by claiming full-do process was followed. They're pushing a vote Tuesday to send Starmer to the Privileges Committee for investigation, which could spell big trouble or even force a resignation.

1:01Other officials chimed in, like Philip Barton, who worried about Epstein links becoming a headache, but said he wasn't consulted on the political pick. Security folks noted pressure for a quick outcome, though they insist it didn't sway their calls. Police are still looking into Mandelson passing sensitive info to Epstein back in 2009. All eyes are on that vote in upcoming May 7 elections, where Starmer's Labor Party could take a hit. He's rallying his team to shut down the opposition stunt and keep focus on governing, but this saga keeps testing his early leadership.