Senior Official to Face MPs Over Mandelson Security Clearance
The chief Foreign Office official who was ousted after it emerged that Peter Mandelson was granted a security clearance despite concerns raised during the vetting process is expected to face questions from MPs on Tuesday.
Sir Olly Robbins will be questioned by the Foreign Affairs Committee regarding why the former US ambassador received the clearance and whether Downing Street was informed about the red flags.
This development adds to the challenges facing Sir Keir Starmer next week, with Robbins's planned appearance coming a day after the Prime Minister is due to appear in the Commons to answer questions about the controversy.
Defence of Sir Olly Robbins by Predecessor
Robbins's predecessor, Lord Simon McDonald, defended the senior official on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, stating that "No 10 wanted a scalp and wanted it quickly."
"No 10 wanted a scalp and wanted it quickly"
The former permanent secretary said Sir Olly had been "observing process according to law" and emphasized that details from the "confidential" vetting process would "never be shared with No 10 or the prime minister."
Regarding Sir Olly's effective dismissal on Thursday, Lord McDonald commented:
"I cannot see that there was any process, any fairness, any giving him the chance to set out his case, and that feels, to me, wrong."
Political Scrutiny on Sir Keir Starmer
Sir Keir Starmer has come under intense scrutiny from opposition MPs, who have questioned his claim that he first learned Mandelson had failed the vetting process only earlier this week.
The Prime Minister had previously informed the Commons that "due process" was followed regarding Mandelson's appointment, leading to accusations from opposition MPs that he misled Parliament.
On Friday, Sir Keir described the decision not to inform him sooner as "staggering," adding:
"That I wasn't told that he had failed security vetting when I was telling Parliament that due process had been followed is unforgivable."
Background on Mandelson's Appointment and Removal
Mandelson was announced as the government's choice to be US ambassador in December 2024, with developed vetting commencing the same day.
He formally assumed the post in February 2025 but was removed last September after further details emerged about his past connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Sir Olly Robbins's Role and Committee Invitation
Sir Olly had been the most senior civil servant at the Foreign Office for two weeks when it was announced that Mandelson had been selected for the Washington role.
Dame Emily Thornberry wrote to Sir Olly on Friday, requesting that he appear before the Foreign Affairs Committee, which she chairs, to answer questions.
understands he has not formally accepted the committee's invitation, but friends of his indicated he was preparing to appear on Tuesday.
They also expressed doubt about whether Sir Olly ever actually saw the recommendation to the Foreign Office not to approve Lord Mandelson's vetting.
Allies suggested it was unlikely he was given the full report and may only have seen specific risks identified during the process.
Details of the Vetting Process
understands the vetting report returned a "no" verdict on whether a security clearance granting access to sensitive government material should be given to Mandelson.
Vetting of government employees and appointees is conducted by a government agency overseen by the Cabinet Office, which reports back to hiring departments with recommendations.
