Senior official ousted over Mandelson security row to face MPs

On Tuesday, Sir Olly Robbins, the former chief of the Foreign Office, is set to appear before MPs to address concerns surrounding the security clearance granted to Peter Mandelson. The controversy arose when it was revealed that Mandelson received access to sensitive government material despite issues identified during his vetting. The Foreign Affairs Committee will question him about the circumstances of the clearance and whether key details were shared with No 10.

This development adds pressure to Sir Keir Starmer as he prepares for his own appearance in the Commons. Opposition MPs have been scrutinizing his claim that he only learned of Mandelson’s vetting failure this week. The prime minister previously stated that “due process” was followed in appointing Mandelson, a statement now challenged by critics who accuse him of misleading Parliament.

Predecessor defends Sir Olly

Lord Simon McDonald, Sir Olly’s predecessor, has defended the senior official, stating on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that “No 10 wanted a scalp and wanted it quickly.” He emphasized that Sir Olly adhered to the legal process, ensuring the “confidential” vetting details remained exclusive to the Foreign Office. McDonald also expressed doubt about whether Sir Olly had seen the full report, suggesting he may have only encountered specific risks during the review.

“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,” McDonald said regarding the sacking of Sir Olly.

Mandelson was named US ambassador in December 2024, with the vetting process starting the same day. He officially began his role in February 2025, but was removed in September after new information emerged about his past connections to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The vetting report had initially returned a “no” verdict on granting Mandelson security clearance, according to BBC News.

The security vetting of government staff and appointees is managed by a government agency under the Cabinet Office, which provides recommendations to hiring departments. Questions remain about whether these recommendations were fully communicated, particularly to the prime minister, as the situation unfolds under parliamentary spotlight.