A former UK foreign ministry official reported facing constant pressure from the Prime Minister's office regarding the appointment of an ambassador to the US. The controversy involves Peter Mandelson's placement in a high diplomatic role, sparking political tension.

A former top ⁠foreign ministry official said on Tuesday he had faced “constant pressure” from UK Prime Minister Keir ⁠Starmer’s office to speed up the appointment of his pick as the ambassador to the US, deepening a row that threatens the British leader. A war of words over who should ultimately take the blame for appointing Labour veteran Peter Mandelson to Britain’s highest diplomatic post despite his history and known ties to late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has piled pressure on Starmer,...