Foreign Office’s top civil servant Olly Robbins leaves post in Mandelson vetting row

Robbins had been in job three weeks when Foreign Office overruled security officials, paving way for Mandelson to become US ambassador

• Mandelson failed vetting but Foreign Office overruled decision

Sir Olly Robbins, the UK Foreign Office’s top civil servant, is leaving 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.