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The top civil servant at the Foreign Office, Sir Olly Robbins, is stepping down from his position following controversy surrounding the security clearance of Lord Mandelson, who was appointed as the UK ambassador to the US. Despite Lord Mandelson failing the security vetting process, the Foreign Office chose to override this decision, a move that has led to a loss of confidence in Sir Olly Robbins by both Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, effectively resulting in his dismissal.
Lord Mandelson’s appointment was initially announced in December 2024, prior to the completion of rigorous vetting checks, and he officially assumed the ambassadorial role in February 2025. His tenure came to an abrupt end only seven months later due to revelations about his connections to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The prime minister has faced significant criticism and calls to resign amid accusations that he misled Parliament and members of parliament by insisting that “full due process” had been followed during Mandelson’s appointment. On several occasions during Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir reiterated that proper vetting procedures were completed.
The process itself, carried out by UK Security Vetting—a specialized Cabinet Office agency—includes comprehensive background checks such as credit history, criminal record, and an intensive interview covering personal aspects like health, relationships, and personal history, designed to prevent security risks. However, it appears Lord Mandelson was unaware of the vetting outcome, and crucial details were withheld from him throughout the process. The unfolding scandal has sparked renewed scrutiny of Sir Keir Starmer’s judgement and management of the appointment.
Political opponents and other parties have reacted strongly to the situation, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accusing the prime minister of either deliberate dishonesty or gross incompetence. Similarly, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey criticized the delay in informing Parliament, describing it as a breach of the ministerial code, while the Scottish National Party has formally requested an independent investigation into possible misleading of the public by the prime minister. In the midst of these developments, Sir Olly Robbins, who previously served as Theresa May’s chief Brexit negotiator before his appointment as permanent under-secretary at the Foreign Office in January 2025, now departs as the controversy continues to unfold
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