The top civil servant at the Foreign Office, Sir Olly Robbins, has been forced to resign following a Guardian investigation revealing that his department overruled a decision to deny Peter Mandelson security clearance for the role of US ambassador.
Security officials had recommended against granting Mandelson developed vetting in January 2025, but the Foreign Office used a rarely invoked authority to override that advice. Downing Street insists Prime Minister Keir Starmer was unaware of the veto until this week and has ordered an inquiry.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Starmer of breaching the ministerial code, saying he must take responsibility if he misled Parliament. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called for Starmer's resignation if he lied to the public.
The government has released 147 pages of documents on Mandelson's appointment but has not previously disclosed the vetting failure. Officials are reportedly considering withholding further documents from the Intelligence and Security Committee, which could breach a parliamentary motion demanding full disclosure.
A Downing Street spokesperson said the government is committed to complying with the motion, but any redactions for national security will be provided to the ISC. The identity of the Foreign Office official who overruled UK Security Vetting remains unknown.
