What's emerged now raises questions about Starmer's judgement in appointing Mandelson Ambassador to US. M is said to have lied, or at least been economical with the truth when asked whether there was anything in his past that might bite but one might expect there to be records held by the security services.
While those of us prepared to cut politicians who were misled some slack might sympathise a man with a bitten bum I don't think there's much doubt Starmer's credibility with the man on the street has taken a hit.
Analysis on lunchtime radio news was that he's now at a point where losing the Gorton by-election might be fatal.