Divisions emerge in Keir Starmer’s cabinet over his sacking of Olly Robbins

PM under increasing pressure over Mandelson vetting scandal as sources say ministers spoke up at tense meeting Keir Starmer is looking increasingly isolated over his handling of the Peter Mandelson scandal with divisions emerging in cabinet over his decision to sack the Foreign Office civil servant Olly Robbins. On another difficult day for the prime minister, the Guardian learned of concerns around the cabinet table, a senior minister refused to say the dismissal was fair and several mandarins called for him to be reinstated. One Labour MP called on Starmer to quit. The scrutiny will continue on Thursday as MPs grill Cat Little, the permanent secretary at the Cabinet Office, over the decision to install Mandelson as Washington ambassador contrary to the advice of vetting officials. Some senior Labour MPs say the prime minister is now living on borrowed time as he continues to come under fire over his decision to appoint the former Labour peer. One minister said: “Keir’s departure is already baked in. In the meantime, I’ve got very used to compartmentalising trauma.” Another said of the atmosphere: “It’s weirdly resigned and everyone is sort of gallows humour and depres