Sacked former Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins revealed that there was significant pressure from No10 to expedite Peter Mandelson’s move to Washington and a dismissive attitude towards his vetting process. This revelation came as a response to Keir Starmer’s accusations of being kept in the dark regarding concerns about Mandelson’s security clearance.
Sir Olly testified before the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, highlighting a sense of urgency to finalize Mandelson’s appointment as the US ambassador, already announced in December 2024, when he assumed his position in January 2025. He mentioned that the Cabinet Office initially questioned the need for Mandelson’s vetting due to his membership in the House of Lords and the Privy Council.
Moreover, Sir Olly disclosed that he was instructed to secure a prominent diplomatic role for Matthew Doyle, the former spin chief for the Prime Minister, without informing then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Doyle eventually became a peer but faced repercussions for his association with a convicted sex offender.
The situation escalated further for Starmer as it was revealed that he terminated Sir Olly’s position following the overruling of a security clearance denial recommendation for Lord Mandelson. The Prime Minister expressed frustration over the lack of transparency, indicating that he would have revoked Mandelson’s ambassadorial appointment had he been aware of all the details.
Regarding the vetting process, Sir Olly emphasized the ongoing communication with No10 officials, emphasizing a persistent pursuit to expedite Mandelson’s placement in the US. He also mentioned the delicate nature of the situation had Mandelson been denied clearance.
In a separate development, Sir Olly disclosed that he was directed to conceal a request to find a significant role for Lord Doyle, a directive that he found uncomfortable and challenging to justify to senior diplomats.
The controversy surrounding Lord Mandelson prompted criticism from former Cabinet Minister Louise Haigh, who pointed to a select group’s interests within the Labour Party. The Government initiated a leak inquiry following the publication of details surrounding the Mandelson vetting issue.
Additionally, Sir Olly expressed concern over potential security breaches and urged thorough investigations to ensure national security. Meanwhile, Starmer focused on diplomatic efforts to address the fallout from the Iran conflict during a meeting.
The Government reiterated its commitment to alleviate pressures within the UK and support regional stability, emphasizing the long-term impact of the Middle East conflict and the protection of British citizens.