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The Latest Breaking News from Simon McDonald

All the unanswered questions over the Mandelson vetting scandal as Starmer faces grilling from MPs

The prime minister is set to address the Commons amid calls to resign

The Independent UK · Apr 20

No way Lammy wasn’t told Mandelson failed vetting, says former foreign secretary

Exclusive: In an interview with The Independent, former foreign secretary James Cleverly sets out the reasons why ministers must have known Peter Mandelson had failed his security vetting

The Independent UK · Apr 18

Downing Street accused of seeking ‘scalp’ in Olly Robbins sacking

IN FULL

The Independent UK · Apr 18

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Mandelson scandal is biggest crisis for diplomatic service in decades, says ex-Foreign Office chief

Simon McDonald says Olly Robbins was ‘thrown under a bus’ by the prime minister and the decision feels wrong

The Guardian - UK · Apr 18

Olly Robbins has been ‘thrown under the bus’ by No 10 over Mandelson scandal, says ex-Foreign Office chief

Lord Simon McDonald says Mandelson scandal is the biggest crisis in the diplomatic service in decades

The Independent UK · Apr 18

Olly Robbins has been ‘thrown under the bus’, says former Foreign Office chief

Sir Olly was sacked this week after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper lost confidence in him.

Evening Standard · Apr 18

UK has ‘no choice’ but to shelve Chagos deal – Lord McDonald

Lord Simon McDonald said the Government was forced to put the plan in the ‘deep freeze.’

Evening Standard · Apr 11

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Who is Antonia Romeo? Inside the rise of Starmer’s ‘Marmite’ pick to lead UK Civil Service

Former colleagues have praised Dame Antonia as ‘dynamic’ and ‘whip smart’

The Independent UK · Feb 19

Starmer defends cabinet secretary frontrunner amid questions over her management style

The prime minister’s official spokesperson insisted that Antonia Romeo’s record ‘speaks for itself’

The Independent UK · Feb 16

Minister refuses to say £260k payout for ex-Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald is 'value for money' for taxpayers

The former head of the Civil Service was reported to have been given the payment under an agreement for his departure from No10

Evening Standard · Feb 13

Starmer seeks new top mandarin in Downing Street shake-up

Dame Antonia Romeo is widely tipped to replace Sir Chris Wormald as cabinet secretary – the UK’s most senior civil servant.

Evening Standard · Feb 13

Starmer ousts cabinet secretary in clear-out of top team after Mandelson scandal

Chris Wormald steps down ‘by mutual consent’ after a year in post with Antonia Romeo expected to succeed him

The Guardian - UK · Feb 12

Sir Chris Wormald quits as Cabinet Secretary as Keir Starmer clears out No10 to rescue his premiership

The top civil servant’s departure comes as the Government is rocked by the Lord Mandelson and Lord Doyle storms

Evening Standard · Feb 12

Keir Starmer faces fresh questions over judgment after Lord Doyle controversy

Lord Doyle has had the Labour whip removed.

Evening Standard · Feb 12

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The Guardian - UK · Feb 11

Former top civil servant warns ‘more due diligence’ to be done over replacement of Chris Wormald

Simon McDonald says if Antonia Romeo is the frontrunner for cabinet secretary role then ‘due diligence has some way still to go’

The Guardian - UK · Jan 18

Western alliance hangs in balance as Europe stiffens itself against Trump’s threats

US demand to own Greenland leaves little scope for compromise, and forcing the issue would entail end of Nato

The Guardian - UK · Feb 20, 2025

Former Foreign Office head warns Reeves not to cut international aid

Exclusive: As chancellor scans budget for savings, Simon McDonald says need for humanitarian spending is ‘greater than ever’

The Guardian - UK · Dec 25, 2024

How parties have come under fire over complaints against MPs

An independent process will now handle cases of alleged bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct

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Evening Standard · Mar 25, 2024

OPINION - Long hours, fancy clothes and no annoying constituents: is David Cameron doing a good job as foreign secretary?

His wife says he is working harder than ever, but what is the foreign secretary after, other than a nice final section on his Wikipedia page? And will he ever be forgiven for Brexit?

The Independent UK · Jan 4, 2024

Ministers warned of ‘massive’ security risks of Donald Trump presidency

Three of Britain’s former top US diplomats have urged the government to develop contingency plans in case Mr Trump’s bid to return to the White House is successful

The Guardian - UK · Sep 18, 2023

There’s rage at civil servants who cried over Brexit. But virtually all of us have wept over Tory antics since 2016

We don’t need to be true believers to do our jobs, but we know an incompetent government when we see it – and feel its effect, says the secret civil servant, who works in Whitehall

The National (Scotland) · Sep 11, 2023

Laura Kuenssberg slammed for 'fuelling witch hunt' against Civil Service

LAURA Kuenssberg has been slammed on social media and accused of "fuelling a witch hunt" against the Civil Service.

The Guardian - UK · Sep 11, 2023

Former Foreign Office chief admits telling colleagues he voted to stay in EU

Simon McDonald says department was in ‘mourning’ after 2016 referendum, leading him to reveal his personal views

The Independent UK · Sep 11, 2023

Foreign office mandarin under fire for saying day after Brexit referendum: I voted Remain

Lord Simon McDonald made the admission in a BBC documentary.

The Independent UK · Sep 11, 2023

Ex-Foreign Office chief admits telling colleagues he voted Remain

Lord Simon McDonald made the admission in a BBC documentary.

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