2. Mandelson and Starmer: Is the HR process to blame?

The fallout from the Prime Minister’s decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador isn’t going away. But it’s far from his only controversial hire.

Former Deputy Cabinet Secretary Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson, former No. 10 special advisor, analyse Downing Street's hiring and firing crisis.

They explain how hiding behind "process" is actively damaging Starmer’s ability to lead with integrity, asking the questions Number 10 won't answer: How exactly did Mandelson clear vetting? How did Matthew Doyle - Starmer’s former Director of Communications - fly under the radar despite ties to a convicted pedophile? And why on earth is the Minister for Inquiries now the subject of an inquiry?

Cover image: PA

Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here.

This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter Studios

Executive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie Rose

Producer: Sam Durham

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