British Foreign Office Minister Resigns After Mandelson Vetting Scandal
Kyiv • UNN
Olly Robbins is stepping down due to a loss of confidence following irregularities in the vetting of the US ambassador. Peter Mandelson gained access to secrets despite intelligence services' objections.
A senior official at the UK Foreign Office is stepping down after losing the government's confidence amid a scandal involving Peter Mandelson's vetting. Reuters reports this, writes UNN.
Details
According to sources, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper lost confidence in the department's top official, Ollie Robbins.
The scandal erupted after it became known that Peter Mandelson had not undergone proper security clearance vetting before being appointed ambassador to the US. At the same time, the government stated that the head of government was unaware of the cancellation of security service recommendations.
Neither the Prime Minister nor any government minister was aware that Peter Mandelson had been granted enhanced vetting against the recommendations of the UK Security Service until earlier this week
Scandal and political consequences
The revelations have intensified political pressure on the government. Mandelson, who was dismissed in September, is under investigation on suspicion of leaking government documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Keir Starmer has already apologized for the appointment but stated that he was misled about Mandelson's connections.
The Foreign Office confirmed that an internal investigation into the vetting circumstances has been launched and promised to address shortcomings in the security system.
Starmer urged to resign over US ambassador appointment scandal17.04.26, 03:19 • 12091 view