Keir Starmer has dismissed Sir Olly Robbins from his position at the Foreign Office following the Peter Mandelson vetting controversy. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have lost faith in the top civil servant, leading to his departure. This decision was prompted by the revelation that Lord Mandelson was appointed as the US ambassador despite failing security clearance.
Sir Olly, who was in charge at the Foreign Office when the decision was made to override UK Security Vetting advice for Lord Mandelson, is now facing scrutiny. An urgent investigation has been initiated to determine why Lord Mandelson’s vetting was approved, amid concerns that accurate information may not have been provided to MPs and Parliament.
The Foreign Office is currently working to address the situation as requested. The pressure on Keir Starmer has been mounting since appointing Lord Mandelson as the UK’s representative in Washington, a decision made to manage diplomatic relations with former US President Donald Trump. However, Lord Mandelson was dismissed seven months later due to new revelations about his association with Epstein.
Government officials claim that no ministers were aware of Lord Mandelson’s initial security clearance denial in late January 2025. They have pointed fingers at the Foreign Office for the decision to grant Developed Vetting against UK Security Vetting recommendations. The Prime Minister has initiated a fact-finding process to understand why this decision was made and plans to update the House of Commons accordingly.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson confirmed that efforts are underway to comply with the Prime Minister’s directive to investigate the developed vetting process. Deputy PM Mr. Lammy, now Justice Secretary, was reportedly informed only recently about these developments.