A Guardian investigation has uncovered that Peter Mandelson failed a developed vetting process in January 2025, but the Foreign Office overruled the decision by security officials to deny him clearance for the role of UK ambassador to the US.
The top civil servant at the Foreign Office, Sir Olly Robbins, has been forced out following the disclosure. Downing Street insisted Prime Minister Keir Starmer had no knowledge that security officials advised against granting Mandelson clearance, and said responsibility lay with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
In September, Robbins and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told MPs in a letter that vetting had been conducted to the usual standard. The Guardian understands Robbins was told to resign after Starmer and Cooper lost confidence in him.
Mandelson's failure to secure vetting approval has not been publicly revealed before, despite the release of 147 pages of documents by the government. A government spokesperson said the decision to grant developed vetting against the recommendation of UK Security Vetting (UKSV) was taken by FCDO officials, and no minister was aware until earlier this week.
Senior government officials are considering whether to withhold from parliament documents that would reveal Mandelson was not given vetting approval. Any attempt to withhold them from the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) could breach a parliamentary motion to release all papers relating to Mandelson's appointment.
The revelation raises questions about Starmer's judgment and whether he misled the public in remarks that Mandelson had been given clearance for the role. It is not known who in the Foreign Office made the decision to overrule UKSV.
