# Starmer v Robbins: Why top official's evidence is 'devastating' for the PM

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/talking-politics-6747759/starmer-v-robbins-why-top-official-s-evidence-is-devastating-for-the-pm
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/talking-politics-6747759/starmer-v-robbins-why-top-official-s-evidence-is-devastating-for-the-pm.md
Podcast: [Talking Politics](https://stenobird.com/podcast/talking-politics-6747759)
Published: 2026-04-21T15:03:00+00:00
Episode link: https://talking-politics.captivate.fm
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/a4954ce6-5e1c-4ded-b667-f394b5fd4bf4.mp3?aw_0_1st.showid=4474dec6-09cf-489b-b8e3-5eaacc239c71&aw_0_1st.episodeid=a4954ce6-5e1c-4ded-b667-f394b5fd4bf4
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Duration seconds: 1688

## Resource

Keir Starmer is under fresh pressure over his controversial decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador. Explosive testimony from sacked top Foreign Office official Olly Robbins has revealed there was “constant pressure” from Number 10 to push the appointment through - raising serious questions about how the decision was made. On Talking Politics , Tom and Robert break down Robbins’ appearance at the Foreign Affairs Committee - and why the decision to sack him seems to have backfired on Starmer. Was Olly Robbins made a scapegoat? And could this scandal rival the scale of Partygate? Listen to this week’s episode to find out.

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## Transcript

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