Sir Keir Starmer quite correctly highlighted Boris Johnson’s failure to accept accountability for his conduct, pledging that should Labour secure victory in the election, he would take full ownership of decisions.

However, what we observe instead is a prime minister and administration that has persistently deflected blame onto others for both actions and shortcomings, with civil servants and advisors being dismissed from their positions while Sir Keir remains in his role despite controversy.

The Mandelson controversy represents merely the most recent episode in an extensive catalogue of scandals affecting Labour, and Sir Keir expects the public to accept that he possessed no awareness of Lord Mandelson’s security clearance issues. Labour has transformed into an organisation defined by corruption, double standards and ineffectiveness.

The electorate will not be misled a second time.

Cllr Nigel Dix, Blackwood