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, leading to the departure of the department's top civil servant, Sir Olly Robbins.
Mandelson failed the highly confidential background check in January 2025, after Keir Starmer had announced his appointment. The Foreign Office used a rarely used authority to override the recommendation from UK Security Vetting. Robbins was told he had to resign after Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper lost confidence in him.
Downing Street insisted the prime minister had no knowledge of the override until this week, with insiders describing him as “furious” at being kept in the dark. A government spokesperson confirmed that no minister was aware Mandelson was granted clearance against advice until earlier this week.
The Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey have called for Starmer to take responsibility or resign if he misled parliament. Further documents are due to be released, but officials have considered withholding those revealing the vetting denial from the intelligence and security committee.
The revelation raises questions about Starmer's judgment in appointing Mandelson and whether he misled the public in stating that Mandelson had received “clearance for the role”.
