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Senior civil servant cleared Mandelson US ambassador role despite failed security vetting, committee hears

Senior civil servants faced questions about the security vetting process for Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador, which was cleared despite him failing vetting. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) under Sir Olly Robbins granted clearance. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy claim they were not told about the vetting failure. Robbins defended his decision, stating he made it based on the totality of evidence, including the prime minister's clear desire for Mandelson in post. The cabinet secretary Sir Chris Wormald was subsequently removed from his position in February 2026.