The Foreign Office's top civil servant, Sir Olly Robbins, has been forced out following a Guardian investigation that revealed his department overruled a decision to deny Peter Mandelson security vetting clearance. Mandelson had failed a developed vetting process in January 2025, but senior officials used a rarely-used authority to override the recommendation from UK Security Vetting (UKSV), allowing his appointment as US ambassador.
No 10 insisted on Thursday that Prime Minister Keir Starmer had no knowledge of the security officials' advice until earlier this week, and blamed the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for the decision. Downing Street insiders said Starmer was “furious” about being kept in the dark. Robbins was told to resign after Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper lost confidence in him.
The revelation raises questions about whether Starmer misled the public when he said Mandelson had been given “clearance for the role”. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey both said Starmer must resign if he misled parliament. The disclosure comes despite the government releasing 147 pages of documents on the appointment.
Further documents are due to be released, but senior officials have considered withholding some from the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC). Any such move could breach a parliamentary motion demanding all papers relating to Mandelson’s appointment. A Downing Street spokesperson said the government was committed to complying but would redact material on national security or international relations grounds.
