A Guardian investigation has revealed that the Foreign Office overruled a decision by UK security officials to deny Peter Mandelson developed vetting clearance for his role as US ambassador. The top civil servant at the Foreign Office, Sir Olly Robbins, has been forced to resign following the disclosure.
Mandelson failed the developed vetting process in January 2025, a highly confidential background check. Despite this, Foreign Office officials used a rarely used authority to override the recommendation from UK Security Vetting (UKSV), a Cabinet Office division. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has insisted he had no knowledge of the overruling until earlier this week.
Downing Street stated that the decision to grant clearance against UKSV advice was taken by FCDO officials, not ministers. Starmer is said to have been “furious” upon learning of the decision and has ordered an investigation. The government has released 147 pages of documents but is reportedly considering withholding some from the intelligence and security committee, which could breach a parliamentary motion to release all papers related to Mandelson’s appointment.
Opposition leaders have called for Starmer’s resignation if he misled parliament. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the prime minister “must take responsibility,” while Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey stated, “If Keir Starmer has misled parliament and lied to the British people, he has to go.” The identity of the official who overruled UKSV remains unknown.
