Sir Keir Starmer has been scolded for his "severe lack of judgement" as fresh controversy surrounds Lord Peter Mandelson over his connection to Jeffrey Epstein.
Speaking to GB News, Shadow Scottish Secretary Andrew Bowie hit out at the "double standards" in relation to the British Ambassador to the US.
Lord Mandelson sparked fresh outrage over his connection to Mr Epstein after new files revealed he allegedly described the sex offender as "my best pal" in a message for his 50th birthday in 2003.
In an interview with The Sun, the British Ambassador claimed he "deeply" regretted his association with the convicted paedophile, and that the message was "very embarrassing".
Andrew Bowie has hit out at the 'double standard' surrounding Lord Mandelson over his connection to Jeffrey Epstein
|GETTY / GB NEWS
Discussing Keir Starmer's grilling on the controversy during PMQs, Mr Bowie told GB News: "There were questions today around the judgment of the Prime Minister, which is severely lacking, it seems, in so many of the appointments he's made since he walked into No10.
"We all raised an eyebrow at Peter Mandelson's appointment, given he has already been sacked from Government twice for various reasons."
As host Tom Harwood pointed out that the Prime Minister "refused to publish" documents relating to Lord Mandelson, Labour MP Lola McEvoy admitted there are "questions to be answered" by the Ambassador.
Ms McEvoy said: "I don't know what the normal process is about publishing those documents, I don't know how confidential they are. You've been in Government for a lot longer than I have been an MP, but I'm not sure what the process is.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Lord Mandelson expressed his regret over his association with Jeffrey Epstein
| THE SUN"I think these are big questions that need to be answered by Peter Mandelson himself, and hopefully he will in his interview tonight."
Criticising the "double standard" displayed by Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Bowie explained: "Also, there's the double standard.
"Prince Andrew, for example, rightly has been removed from public life and has so many of his privileges removed as a result of his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, and that photograph of him meeting with him after his conviction."
Sir Keir defended Lord Mandelson as the Conservatives demanded all the messages with Mr Epstein be published.
Mr Bowie told GB News that there is a 'double standard' in regards to Lord Mandelson
|GB NEWS
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch took the fight to Sir Keir during Prime Minister's Questions, asking: "Does the Prime Minister have full confidence in Peter Mandelson?"
The Prime Minister responded: "Let me start by saying the victims of Epstein are at the forefront of our minds. He was a despicable criminal who committed the most heinous crimes and destroyed the lives of so many women and girls.
"The ambassador has repeatedly expressed his deep regret for his association with him; he's right to do so. I have confidence in him, and he's playing an important role in the UK-US relationship."
Mrs Badenoch hit back: "The Prime Minister cannot answer any questions. That is not the behaviour of someone who has full confidence."
More From GB News