Sir Keir Starmer faced mounting pressure on Thursday after a Guardian investigation revealed that Peter Mandelson failed security vetting before his appointment as US ambassador, but the Foreign Office overruled the decision. The top civil servant at the Foreign Office, Sir Olly Robbins, has been forced out following the disclosure.
Mandelson failed a developed vetting process in January 2025, a highly confidential background check by security officials. Despite this, Foreign Office officials used a rarely used authority to override the recommendation from UK Security Vetting (UKSV). Downing Street insisted the prime minister had no knowledge of the advice against granting clearance.
Sir Olly Robbins was told to resign after Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper lost confidence in him. In September, Robbins had co-signed a letter to MPs stating that vetting was conducted to the usual standard. The Guardian understands Robbins' departure was directly linked to the vetting controversy.
Opposition leaders 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 Starmer should go if he lied. Downing Street released a statement saying the government is committed to complying with a parliamentary motion to release all papers relating to Mandelson's appointment, with national security redactions provided to the intelligence and security committee.
The revelation raises questions about Starmer's judgment in appointing Mandelson and whether he misled the public by claiming Mandelson had received clearance. It remains unknown who in the Foreign Office made the decision to overrule UKSV.
