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Sky News was interrupted for a breaking news announcement on Thursday evening and it was not looking good for Sir Keir Starmer. Deputy political editor Sam Coates updated viewers on the latest news from government.

He revealed that Peter Mandelson, who was sacked earlier in the year after his links to convicted paedophile Jefferey Epstein were exposed, was denied access to the very highest level of security clearance. As a result, Starmer is now facing calls to resign. Coates told the audience: "There is unexpected serious jeopardy for the Prime Minister right now over the development that Peter Mandelson failed his security vetting while being appointed as ambassador to Washington." The reporter went on to explain that this contradicts Starmer's previous defence of the disgraced minister. "Keir Starmer defended the appointment and continuing role of Peter Mandelson on the basis that he had cleared his security vetting," he said. "Now, it emerges from the Guardian and not denied by the government, that he failed that vetting."

Coates went on: "A key plank of Keir Starmer's claim on why he was right to appoint Peter Mandelson is now in jeopardy and with it the reputation of the Prime Minister. This could be incredibly serious."

"This is one of the biggest scandals and problems of Keir Starmer's career," he added. "And this is one of the most dangerous, perilous moments."

Sky News later shared that a government spokesperson confirmed that the report is correct, but said neither the Prime Minister nor any government minister was aware until this week.

In a statement they said: "The security vetting process for Peter Mandelson was sponsored by the FCDO. The decision to grant Developed Vetting to Peter Mandelson against the recommendation of UK Security Vetting was taken by officials in the FCDO.

"Neither the Prime Minister, nor any government minister was aware that Peter Mandelson was granted Developed Vetting against the advice of UK Security Vetting until earlier this week.

"Once the Prime Minister was informed, he immediately instructed officials to establish the facts about why the Developed Vetting was granted, in order to enact plans to update the House of Commons.

"The government is committed to complying with the Humble Address in full as soon as possible.

"Any documentation within the scope of the Humble Address that requires redaction on the basis of national security or international relations will be provided to the ISC. This will include documents provided to the FCDO by UK Security Vetting."