PM’s ex-chief of staff to give evidence on Mandelson vetting

Morgan McSweeney, the prime minister’s previous chief of staff, is set to appear before the Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday to discuss his involvement in the security assessment of Lord Mandelson. McSweeney, who recommended the appointment of Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US, may be questioned about whether he influenced civil servants to expedite the vetting process.

Following accusations from Sir Olly Robbins, a former senior civil servant at the Foreign Office, that No 10 showed a dismissive stance toward the vetting procedures, Downing Street has denied the claim. Cat Little, the Cabinet Office’s highest-ranking civil servant, will join the committee on Thursday at 9:30 BST. Committee chair Dame Emily Thornberry noted that Ian Collard, the Foreign Office’s Chief Property and Security Officer, and Sir Philip Barton, a former top official, have also been summoned to provide testimony.

Earlier this week, Little informed Sir Keir Starmer that the UK Security and Vetting (UKSV) team had flagged issues with Lord Mandelson’s background. Yet the Foreign Office proceeded with granting him security clearance. The prime minister later dismissed Sir Olly, expressing frustration that his department had not informed him about Mandelson’s vetting shortcomings.

In his testimony, Sir Olly stated he had not reviewed UKSV documents but was orally briefed that Mandelson’s case was “borderline,” with risks deemed manageable. He emphasized that civil service rules prevented him from sharing detailed vetting information with the prime minister, only his final approval. Sir Olly also highlighted the pressure his department faced to finalize Mandelson’s clearance quickly.

Lord Mandelson was removed from his post seven months after taking up the role, due to his past association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Sir Keir faced backlash for appointing him, and in February, McSweeney resigned from Downing Street, taking “full responsibility” for the decision. This controversy has reignited Labour MPs’ scrutiny of Sir Keir’s judgment and leadership.

“We are in a situation where I don’t think anyone reasonably expects the prime minister to lead the party into the next election. We have to refocus this government on the priorities of the British people,” said Labour MP Jonathan Brash on GB News.

“Sir Olly was sacked for the prime minister’s own failings. His own MPs know that is not fair,” claimed Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.