Foreign Office’s top civil servant Olly Robbins forced out over Mandelson vetting row

Robbins (right) had been permanent secretary for just three weeks when the Foreign Office decided to overrule security concerns about Peter Mandelson. Illustration: Guardian Design/Getty

Sir Olly Robbins, the UK Foreign Office’s top civil servant, has been forced out of his post after the decision to fail Peter Mandelson during his security vetting was overruled by his department.

Robbins was the Foreign Office’s most senior official in late January 2025 when the decision was made, paving the way for Mandelson to become the US ambassador.