Politics

UK's Top Foreign Office Mandarin Ousted Over Mandelson Vetting Scandal

Sir Olly Robbins, the Foreign Office's most senior civil servant, has been forced out after it emerged his department overrode a failed security vetting for Peter Mandelson, clearing the way for Mandelson to become UK Ambassador to Washington. Keir Starmer is reported to be furious, and the episode is threatening to become a defining crisis for his government's competence narrative. Robbins was in post when the override decision was made in late January 2025.

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Sources

Foreign Office’s top civil servant Olly Robbins forced out over Mandelson vetting row

The Guardian · Apr 16