The top civil servant at the Foreign Office, Sir Olly Robbins, has resigned following a Guardian investigation that revealed his department overruled a decision to deny Peter Mandelson security vetting clearance. Mandelson, who was appointed UK ambassador to the US by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, failed a developed vetting process in January 2025, but the Foreign Office used a rarely invoked authority to override the recommendation from security officials.
Downing Street insisted that Starmer had no knowledge of the overruling until earlier this week, and that responsibility lay with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). A government spokesperson stated that the decision to grant developed vetting against UK Security Vetting (UKSV) advice was taken by FCDO officials, and that neither the prime minister nor any minister was aware until recently.
The revelation has sparked political fallout, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey calling for Starmer to resign if he misled parliament. The government has released 147 pages of documents on the appointment, but further documents are due to be released, and senior officials have considered withholding those showing Mandelson was denied vetting approval from the intelligence and security committee.
The Cabinet Office has yet to decide on withholding documents, which could breach a parliamentary motion to release all papers relating to Mandelson’s appointment. Downing Street said it is committed to complying with the motion, with any redactions based on national security to be provided to the ISC.
The scandal raises questions about Starmer’s judgment in appointing Mandelson and whether he misled the public in remarks stating Mandelson had received clearance for the role. It remains unknown which FCDO official made the decision to overrule UKSV.
