He admitted that appointing Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador was a 'mistake' following a scandal that rocked the government.
Starmer advocated for closer ties with the European Union, suggesting the UK should “turn its back” on the inward-looking Brexit years and align more closely economically and on defence.
The Labour leader faced criticism over the appointment of his former spin doctor, Lord Doyle, to the House of Lords, due to Doyle's past campaigning for a paedophile councillor.
The government also saw the departure of several senior figures, including the head of the civil service Sir Chris Wormald, amid accusations of a 'boys' club' culture in Downing Street.
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