The former chief of staff clarified conflicting accounts regarding pressure to approve Mandelson’s vetting. While denying any awareness of pressure on the merits of the case during his tenure, he acknowledged that pressure did exist. He further explained that he received no direct calls from thePM’s chief of staff regarding the matter. His interactions were limited to general meetings with others present, which were infrequent. He also explicitly denied any recollection of Morgan McSweeney swearing at him in a meeting or generally. The former chief of staff emphasized the importance of dispelling the notion that such an incident occurred, given its widespread belief. This testimony comes as the Commons debate on a parliamentary inquiry into the Prime Minister begins.