In a striking revelation, a former senior civil servant has accused Number 10 of unfairly sacrificing Sir Olly Robbins during what he describes as the most significant diplomatic crisis in over four decades. Lord Simon McDonald, who served as a permanent secretary in the Foreign Office, made these claims during an appearance on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Saturday.
Allegations of Unfair Treatment
Lord McDonald asserted that Sir Olly Robbins was "basically thrown under the bus" by the government, labeling him a "scalp" that Number 10 demanded in the aftermath of a controversial appointment. This situation unfolded after The Guardian reported that Peter Mandelson had been appointed as ambassador to the United States despite failing his vetting process.
Rapid Fallout and Resignation
When questioned about whether Robbins had been unfairly treated, Lord McDonald confirmed, "Yes. This story broke on Thursday morning in a piece in The Guardian – within the news cycle Olly Robbins had been required to resign." He elaborated that this swift action indicated a desire for a quick resolution, with no proper process or opportunity for Robbins to defend himself. "This shows to me that Number 10 wanted a scalp and they wanted it quickly and I cannot see that there was any process, any fairness, any giving him the chance to set out his case, and that feels to me wrong," he added.
Historical Context of the Crisis
Lord McDonald further emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the fallout from Mandelson's appointment constituted "the biggest crisis in the diplomatic service" since he joined the Foreign Office in 1982. This comparison underscores the severity of the incident, highlighting its unprecedented nature in recent diplomatic history.
The allegations raise serious questions about the government's handling of internal matters and its impact on diplomatic relations. As this story develops, it continues to spark debate over transparency and fairness within the highest levels of the civil service.
