Newly promoted migration minister Mike Tapp was wheeled out on the morning round to face questions over Peter Mandelson after it was revealed last night that he coached his pal Epstein through his “years of torture” after his arrest. On BBC Breakfast some of the emails Mandy sent to Epstein were read out loud to him:
“I think the world of you and I feel hopeless and furious about what has happened. I can still barely understand it. It just could not happen in Britain. You have to be incredibly resilient. Fight for early release and be philosophical about it as much as you can. Everything can be turned into an opportunity that you will come through and be stronger for it.”
A squirming Tapp replied:
“I don’t know if you saw me shudder then. I think it’s important that we do look at Peter Mandelson’s statement that he released yesterday. I find it disturbing in all honesty.”
Tapp then went on to say that Starmer had “confidence” in Mandelson “as far as I know”. This will run and run…