Top Foreign Office official sacked after Mandelson vetting dispute

WorldPolitics
17 Apr 2026 • 7:58 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Sir Olly Robbins, the Foreign Office's most senior civil servant, is to leave his role following revelations about security vetting.
  • The Foreign Office overruled security officials who initially denied clearance for Lord Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the US.
  • The prime minister was reportedly unaware until recently that Lord Mandelson had been granted developed vetting against the advice of UK Security Vetting.
  • He has since instructed officials to establish the full facts surrounding the decision, with the Foreign Office working urgently to comply.
  • Sir Keir Starmer is now facing calls from across the political spectrum to stand down over the handling of Lord Mandelson's appointment, who was later sacked from the role.

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