The former chief of the Foreign Office, Sir Olly Robbins, revealed that there was significant pressure from No10 to expedite Peter Mandelson’s appointment as the US ambassador. He criticized the dismissive approach taken towards Mandelson’s vetting process.
Sir Olly’s remarks came in response to accusations from Keir Starmer, who claimed the Foreign Office had not kept him informed about concerns regarding Mandelson’s security clearance. Sir Olly highlighted the urgency surrounding Mandelson’s appointment, which had been announced in December 2024.
According to Sir Olly, there were doubts within the Cabinet Office about vetting Mandelson due to his status as a member of the House of Lords and the Privy Council. He emphasized that it was not initially certain that Mandelson would undergo vetting before his appointment.
Furthermore, Sir Olly disclosed that he was instructed to find a significant diplomatic role for Matthew Doyle, the Prime Minister’s former spin chief. However, he was prohibited from informing David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary at the time. Doyle later faced consequences for his association with a convicted sex offender.
These revelations have increased pressure on Keir Starmer, who recently dismissed Sir Olly from his position following the controversy surrounding Mandelson’s security clearance. The Prime Minister expressed frustration over withheld information and indicated he would have retracted Mandelson’s appointment had he been fully informed.
Despite claims made by Kemi Badenoch and others that Starmer had misled, Sir Olly clarified that he did not inform the Prime Minister or Downing Street about the concerns raised by UK Security Vetting. This contradicted allegations of dishonesty against Starmer.
When questioned about the frequency of communications regarding Mandelson’s appointment, Sir Olly mentioned the consistent pressure from No10 officials to expedite the process. He highlighted the emphasis on timing rather than the necessity of vetting.
If Mandelson had been denied clearance, Sir Olly suggested it would have posed significant challenges. The former official also addressed reports of pressure to approve Mandelson’s clearance and downplayed allegations of dismissiveness towards the vetting process.
Sir Olly refrained from revealing any undisclosed information uncovered during Mandelson’s vetting process. He emphasized that the vetting process had commenced before his tenure at the Foreign Office and that due diligence checks had already been conducted by the Cabinet Office.
Additionally, Sir Olly disclosed an instruction to conceal a request for a role for Lord Doyle, highlighting the discomfort this directive caused. Lord Doyle denied seeking an ambassadorial role and expressed his intentions to remain in UK politics after leaving No 10.
The controversy surrounding Mandelson and Doyle has stirred criticism, with concerns raised about a small group pushing personal interests. A leak inquiry was initiated by the Government following the Guardian’s report on the Mandelson vetting issue.
Despite the ongoing turmoil, Keir Starmer chaired a meeting focusing on shielding Britain from the repercussions of the Iran war. The Government emphasized its efforts to alleviate pressures in the UK and promote stability in the region.
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