A Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary defends the security vetting process followed for Peter Mandelson's US ambassador appointment, leading to further scrutiny of the Prime Minister's decision to sack Olly Robbins. The case raises questions about transparency, due process, and potential severance costs.
A high-ranking civil servant has affirmed that established procedures were adhered to regarding the security vetting of Peter Mandelson , sparking renewed scrutiny of the Prime Minister 's rationale for dismissing Olly Robbins .
Cat Little, the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office, stated her belief that protocols were followed during her testimony before the Foreign Affairs Committee. This development occurs amidst speculation that Sir Olly Robbins, the former Foreign Office mandarin, may be entitled to a substantial severance package following his removal from his £240,000-a-year position. Estimates suggest the potential cost to taxpayers could reach £1 million, although other sources indicate it is premature to determine the final financial implications.
The controversy centers around Sir Keir's assertion that Sir Olly committed a 'serious error of judgment' by failing to inform him that vetting officials had advised against proceeding with Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador. Sir Olly, in his previous appearance before the committee, confirmed receiving a formal dismissal letter on Monday and maintained that he was not authorized to disclose vetting information to the Prime Minister and possessed the authority to make decisions regarding Developed Vetting (DV) clearance.
Ms. Little has been actively reviewing documents related to Mandelson's appointment, as requested by Parliament. She confirmed that all relevant ministers and officials have submitted messages exchanged with Mandelson, complying with the demands of MPs. Ms. Little clarified the process for granting Mandelson Developed Vetting status, explaining that UK Security Vetting (UKSV) provides a recommendation, and the Foreign Office ultimately decides whether to grant DV. She emphasized that this is the established and agreed-upon procedure.
Ms. Little informed the Prime Minister last week that Lord Mandelson had been granted high-level security clearance despite recommendations against it from vetting officials, and she had been aware of this sensitive information since March 25th. She stated she acted 'swiftly and effectively' in informing Sir Keir, but acknowledged the need for expert legal counsel to navigate the sensitive nature of the information.
Notably, Ms. Little revealed that Sir Olly had declined to share vetting information with her, prompting her to directly request it from UKSV – a 'very unusual' step she took to fulfill her responsibility to address the Commons' request for information. She also disclosed an initial discussion regarding whether Mandelson even required security vetting, given his membership in the House of Lords and the existing convention exempting peers from Developed Vetting.
Sir Keir, during a visit to Newcastle, reiterated his belief that the outcome of the security clearance process should have been brought to his attention, stating that had he been informed, he would not have appointed Mandelson. He underscored that Sir Olly explicitly chose not to share this information, a decision he deemed incorrect.
Past instances of officials dismissed by Sir Keir have resulted in significant severance packages, such as the £260,000 (potentially higher) payout to Chris Wormald, and the £75,000 given to Mandelson after his removal as US ambassador due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein
Peter Mandelson Olly Robbins Security Vetting UK Security Vetting Prime Minister Cabinet Office Foreign Affairs Committee Developed Vetting Severance Package Civil Service
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