Oliver Robbins, the former senior civil servant, has told MPs that he was subject to “constant pressure” to secure Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington, and that Number 10 asked him to find a diplomatic post for ex-communications chief Matthew Doyle without informing the foreign secretary. Robbins gave evidence to the Commons foreign affairs committee on Tuesday, reviving claims that Keir Starmer’s team were determined to get Mandelson in post despite concerns.
Robbins said the pressure began when he joined the Foreign Office and continued throughout the vetting process. He also revealed that Number 10 wanted him to arrange an ambassador role for Doyle, who served as Starmer’s communications director, and not to mention it to then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The revelation has caused alarm among some Labour MPs.
Matthew Doyle, who later received a peerage, responded by stating that he “never sought” an ambassador post and was “never aware of anyone speaking to the FCDO about such a role for me.” The former Number 10 aide denied any knowledge of the approach described by Robbins.
The testimony has raised new questions about the Mandelson vetting process, with some MPs suggesting that Robbins may have been misled about the findings of the security agency responsible for vetting. Labour’s Pat McFadden defended the government, stating that claims of the prime minister lying were “not true in any way” and confirming a leak inquiry is under way.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch seized on the revelations, accusing the prime minister of putting national security at risk and calling for him to resign. The controversy continues to dominate Westminster, with further releases of paperwork related to the Mandelson appointment expected shortly.
