{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/69861398d4e01f1069d58875/69a186eb240faaa9b5fd364c?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"2. Mandelson and Starmer: Is the HR process to blame?","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/69861398d4e01f1069d58875/1772194278872-b9b9ada8-c56f-4180-a9a8-b5d1f9b93f4a.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>The fallout from the Prime Minister’s decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador isn’t going away. But it’s far from his only controversial hire.</p><p><br></p><p>Former Deputy Cabinet Secretary Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson, former No. 10 special advisor, analyse Downing Street's hiring and firing crisis.</p><p><br></p><p>They explain how hiding behind \"process\" is actively damaging Starmer’s ability to lead with integrity, asking the questions Number 10 won't answer: How exactly did Mandelson clear vetting? How did Matthew Doyle - Starmer’s former Director of Communications - fly under the radar despite ties to a convicted pedophile? And why on earth is the Minister for Inquiries now the subject of an inquiry?&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Cover image: PA</p>","author_name":"The Independent"}