The former top official at the Foreign Office has said there was a “dismissive approach” to Peter Mandelson’s security vetting from Sir Keir Starmer's Downing Street operation.
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Sir Olly Robbins, who was sacked last week over the reported failure to disclose Lord Mandelson’s failed security checks to the Prime Minister, told MPs there was pressure from Downing Street to clear the appointment.
The former permanent secretary at the Foreign Office said that when he took on that role in January 2025, the vetting process was already underway.
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Mandelson Vetting Scandal Rocks Starmer
- No 10 put ‘constant pressure’ on Foreign Office to get Mandelson in post The Independent —
- Downing Street discussed diplomatic role for Starmer aide, says ex-Foreign Office head Financial Times —
- 7 takeaways from Olly Robbins’ evidence on the Peter Mandelson vetting saga Politico EU —
- Olly Robbins revelas "constant pressure" France 24 —
- Cooper opens Cabinet dissent against Starmer after extraordinary No 10 order to 'just f-ing approve' Mandelson was exposed at explosive hearing Daily Mail —