# 523. The Starmer-Mandelson Scandal: Lying or Incompetence?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-rest-is-politics-5083933/523-the-starmer-mandelson-scandal-lying-or-incompetence
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-rest-is-politics-5083933/523-the-starmer-mandelson-scandal-lying-or-incompetence.md
Podcast: [The Rest Is Politics](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-rest-is-politics-5083933)
Published: 2026-04-17T16:53:00+00:00
Episode link: https://pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLT4372087644.mp3?updated=1776445229
Audio file: https://pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLT4372087644.mp3?updated=1776445229
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-rest-is-politics-5083933/episodes/523-the-starmer-mandelson-scandal-lying-or-incompetence
Duration seconds: 1386

## Resource

Can Starmer survive if it emerges he was previously told about Mandelson's failed vetting? Is he developing a pattern of blaming others when things go wrong? Will this lead Labour MPs to start questioning their leader ahead of crucial local elections? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ Go deeper into the world of The Rest Is Politics by signing up for our free newsletter HERE, featuring exclusive interviews, analysis and weekend reads from Alastair and Rory. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus. Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair’s miniseries – plus ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, exclusive newsletters, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. Stop overpaying for energy. Switch at ⁠https://fuseenergy.com/politics⁠ and get a free TRIP+ subscription. Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ nordvpn.com/restispolitics It's risk-free with Nord's 30 day money back guarantee ✅ __________ Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @restispolitics Email: therestispolitics@goalhanger.com __________ Social Producer: Celine Charles Assistant Producer: Daisy Alston-Horne Producer: Evan Green Exec Producer: Chris Sawyer General Manager: Tom Whiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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## Transcript

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