LONDON — In a significant shake-up within the U.K. government, Keir Starmer dismissed Olly Robbins, a senior civil servant, late Thursday. This decision comes as the Labour leader grapples with a growing controversy surrounding the appointment of Peter Mandelson, the former U.K. ambassador to the U.S.
According to sources familiar with the situation, confidence in Robbins, the top official at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), waned after new revelations about his involvement in the security vetting process for Mandelson. This escalation has heightened scrutiny on the circumstances that allowed Mandelson to be appointed despite failing security checks.
Questions arise over Mandelson’s vetting
Peter Mandelson, a prominent figure in the Labour Party, was removed from his diplomatic position in September after it was disclosed that he had connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Reports indicate that Mandelson was allowed to take up his role as ambassador in December 2024, even after being flagged by the government’s screening agency, United Kingdom Security Vetting.
“Neither the Prime Minister, nor any Government Minister, was aware that Peter Mandelson was granted Developed Vetting against the advice of UK Security Vetting until earlier this week,”
stated a government spokesperson following the initial reports.
Starmer faces mounting pressure
The dismissal of Robbins has not quelled the inquiries regarding Starmer’s judgment in appointing Mandelson. Opposition leaders have accused Starmer of misleading Parliament, a serious allegation that could breach the ministerial code. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch emphasized this point, suggesting that if Starmer misrepresented the vetting process, he should resign.
“If Mandelson failed the security vetting, full process was not followed. Misleading Parliament is a resigning offense,” she remarked during a press briefing.
Labour MPs, who previously supported Starmer’s leadership, expressed dismay at the unfolding events. MP Rachael Maskell called for transparency, stating, “All we want is the truth. Now a different account of Mr. Mandelson’s security clearance has been brought to light. We need accountability as to why we were provided a different version of events.”
Internally, some party members voiced concerns about the implications of Robbins’ ousting, with one MP remarking, “This is bad, very, very bad. There are so many factors, I don’t know if it will be the end, but it definitely could be.”
Robbins’ tenure as a civil servant has been tumultuous. Previously serving as chief Brexit negotiator, he faced considerable criticism during the negotiations under Theresa May, earning nicknames such as “the PM’s Rasputin.” After resigning alongside May in 2019, he pursued roles in the private sector before returning to the civil service in 2025 under Starmer’s government.
This latest incident follows parliamentary motions earlier this year demanding the release of documents regarding Mandelson’s appointment, sparked by revelations in the Epstein files. The government indicated that new information concerning UK Security Vetting emerged during a review of documents to comply with these parliamentary demands.
As the situation unfolds, the repercussions of this crisis may significantly influence the dynamics within the Labour Party and its leadership moving forward.