A Guardian investigation has revealed that Peter Mandelson failed a developed vetting process in January 2025, but the Foreign Office overruled the decision to deny him security clearance for his role as UK ambassador to the US. The top civil servant at the Foreign Office, Sir Olly Robbins, has been forced out following the disclosure.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer had announced Mandelson's appointment before the vetting failure came to light. Officials at the Foreign Office used a rarely invoked authority to override the recommendation from UK Security Vetting (UKSV), a Cabinet Office division. Downing Street insisted Starmer had no knowledge of the security officials' advice and said responsibility lay with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Robbins was told to resign after Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper lost confidence in him. In September, Robbins co-signed a letter to MPs stating that vetting was conducted to the usual standard. The Guardian understands that Robbins' departure follows the revelation that Mandelson's vetting failure was not publicly disclosed despite the release of 147 pages of documents.
A government spokesperson said the decision to grant clearance against UKSV's recommendation was taken by FCDO officials, not ministers. Downing Street insiders said Starmer was "furious" about being kept in the dark. Opposition leaders have called for Starmer's resignation if he misled parliament.
Senior officials are considering whether to withhold documents from the Intelligence and Security Committee that would reveal the vetting denial. Any such move could breach a parliamentary motion requiring release of all papers related to Mandelson's appointment. The government has committed to complying with the motion, with redactions only for national security or international relations.
