- Sir Olly Robbins, a former top civil servant at the Foreign Office, disclosed that Downing Street considered appointing Lord Matthew Doyle as an ambassador.
- Sir Olly expressed discomfort with the proposal, advising against it, particularly as it occurred during a period when senior diplomats faced potential job losses.
- He revealed that Downing Street initiated multiple discussions with him about a 'head of mission opportunity' for Lord Doyle, with instructions not to inform the then foreign secretary.
- It was also suggested that Lord Mandelson was consulted regarding a potential role for Lord Doyle within the US diplomatic network.
- Lord Doyle, who resigned as the Prime Minister’s communications chief last March, had the Labour whip withdrawn earlier this year after campaigning for a friend charged with possessing indecent images of children – raising concerns about the Prime Minister's judgment.
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