A high-ranking government official has declined to comment on the dismissal of Sir Olly Robbins from his role as the head of the Foreign Office, amid increasing pressure on Keir Starmer.
Pat McFadden, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, expressed his support for the Prime Minister but evaded questions about the fairness of the decision.
Last week, the Prime Minister removed Sir Olly from his position after it was revealed that a recommendation from UK Security Vetting (UKSV) to reject Lord Mandelson’s high-level security clearance had been overridden.
Sir Olly defended himself on Tuesday after Starmer criticized the Foreign Office for withholding information regarding the security clearance of the disgraced peer.
During his testimony to the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, Sir Olly described a sense of urgency when he assumed his role in January 2025, as Lord Mandelson had been announced as the PM’s choice for US ambassador in December 2024.
McFadden has consistently avoided stating his opinion on the fairness of Starmer’s decision to dismiss Sir Olly. He emphasized his respect for Sir Olly but acknowledged the Prime Minister’s authority in such matters.
Dave Penman, the general secretary of the FDA union representing senior civil servants, expressed concerns over the dismissal, emphasizing the importance of trust between government officials and civil servants.
Meanwhile, Emily Thornberry criticized Starmer’s handling of the Mandelson scandal, suggesting that he was regressing in his progress. Thornberry acknowledged positive changes in Number 10 but indicated a sense of disappointment in Starmer’s recent actions.
The situation has raised questions about the future of Starmer’s leadership, with uncertainties lingering about the next steps.