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Morgan McSweeney, who formerly served as the prime minister’s chief of staff, is scheduled to provide testimony to the Foreign Affairs Committee regarding his involvement in the security vetting process of Lord Mandelson. McSweeney had recommended Lord Mandelson for the position of UK ambassador to the United States and is expected to face inquiries about whether he exerted pressure on civil servants to expedite the vetting procedure. This development follows accusations from Sir Olly Robbins, a former senior Foreign Office official, who criticized Downing Street for adopting a “dismissive” approach towards the vetting, an allegation which No 10 has denied.
The committee is also set to hear from Cat Little, the Cabinet Office’s most senior civil servant, who will give evidence later in the week. Little previously informed Sir Keir Starmer that despite concerns being raised by the UK Security and Vetting (UKSV) team regarding Lord Mandelson, the Foreign Office still approved his security clearance. Additionally, Dame Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, has announced that Ian Collard, the Foreign Office’s Chief Property and Security Officer, and Sir Philip Barton, a former senior civil servant, will be called upon to testify in the inquiry.
The controversy intensified last week when the prime minister dismissed Sir Olly Robbins amidst frustration that he had not been informed about Lord Mandelson’s failure to pass security vetting. Robbins told the committee that he was briefed orally that the vetting outcome was “borderline,” with manageable risks, although he had not reviewed the UKSV documents himself. He further explained that civil service protocol restricted him from sharing detailed vetting information with the prime minister, only allowing him to communicate the final decision. Robbins also revealed that his team experienced significant pressure to complete Lord Mandelson’s clearance swiftly in order for him to begin his new role.
The scandal surrounding Lord Mandelson deepened when he was removed from his ambassador post seven months after his appointment due to his past association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The controversy has led to intense scrutiny of Sir Keir Starmer’s judgment and leadership within Labour ranks. Labour MP Jonathan Brash voiced doubts about the prime minister’s future leadership, suggesting a need to focus government efforts on the public’s priorities. While Sir Keir defended his actions in Parliament, stating that had he been informed about the vetting issues, Lord Mandelson would not have taken up the post. Meanwhile, opposition figures, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform Party leader Nigel Farage, criticized the prime minister for removing Sir Olly, labeling him a scapegoat for the administration’s failures. Former senior officials have also expressed concerns that these developments risk damaging the essential trust between ministers and the civil service, a sentiment echoed by former PM Rishi Sunak, who warned the situation could hinder effective governance
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