Sir Keir Starmer's assertion that "full due process" was followed in Lord Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the US has not been backed by the former top official at the Foreign Office.The Prime Minister faces a possible parliamentary sleaze inquiry over claims he misled MPs over the process which led to Lord Mandelson taking the Washington job.Former Foreign Office mandarin Sir Philip Barton declined to agree with the Prime Minister's assessment of the process.

Sir Keir Starmer's assertion that "full due process" was followed in Lord Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the US has not been backed by the former top official at the Foreign Office.The Prime Minister faces a possible parliamentary sleaze inquiry over claims he misled MPs over the process which led to Lord Mandelson taking the Washington job.Former Foreign Office mandarin Sir Philip Barton declined to agree with the Prime Minister's assessment of the process.