The top civil servant in the Foreign Office, Sir Olly Robbins, has been forced out after a Guardian investigation revealed his department overruled a decision to deny Peter Mandelson security vetting clearance. Mandelson, who had been announced as the UK’s ambassador to Washington, failed a developed vetting process in January 2025, but officials used a rarely used authority to override the recommendation from security officials.
Downing Street insisted the prime minister had no knowledge of the vetting advice, saying responsibility lay with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). A government spokesperson stated that neither the prime minister nor any government minister was aware that Mandelson was granted developed vetting against UK Security Vetting advice until earlier this week. Starmer was said to be “furious” about being kept in the dark.
The departure of Robbins follows demands from opposition leaders for the prime minister to resign. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said if Starmer misled the House of Commons over Mandelson’s vetting, he “must take responsibility”. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called for Starmer to go if he misled parliament. The Guardian also revealed senior officials have considered withholding documents about the vetting from parliament, potentially breaching a motion to release all papers relating to the appointment.
Downing Street said it was committed to complying with the parliamentary motion, with any redacted documents on national security grounds to be provided to the Intelligence and Security Committee. The row raises further questions about Starmer’s judgment in appointing Mandelson and whether he misled the public in remarks claiming Mandelson had “clearance for the role”. It remains unknown who in the Foreign Office made the decision to overrule UKSV.
