Why is Peter Mandelson worth protecting?

[Mugfills]

I quite like Keir Starmer and I don't think his performace so far has been quite as bad as some want us to believe, but I am mystified at his decision to support Mandelson.

To my mind, Mandelson has always had an air of dodginess around him, so I was surprised when he got this appointment in the first place, but why would the PM risk his own career and other political fallout, rather than saying "sorry Peter, you're going to have to go, I can't defend this"?

His appointment as ambassador was baffling to me and yet another sign of Keir Starmer's poor judgement and out-of-touch-ness. Mandelson was always known for two things; being in contempt of the working class but in thrall to the very rich and being embroiled in sleaze and scandal. Why did nobody point this out? It was obvious that a scandal would emerge sooner rather than later. Why did the media only talk of Mandelson being a political heavyweight and a great negotiator and schmoozer but forget his documented dodginess? Starmer has the political instincts of a suicidal gnat.

Awful but not trafficking? its behind a paywall, Epstein has at least 200 female victims.

Tbh, I'd assumed Mandy got the job because a) he has a finger in alot of pies and b) he also knows dirt on lots of people.

Perhaps it was about choosing someone who could schmooze, was excellent at sucking up to Trump, had a title to impress Trump, plus we could afford the loss if it erupts into war….