PM Unaware Vetting Advice Could Be Overruled, Allies Claim

PM Unaware Vetting Advice Could Be Overruled, Allies Claim

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was reportedly unaware that security vetting advice could be overruled, according to notes from a recent meeting. This revelation comes as allies of former Foreign Office head Sir Ollie Robbins defend his decision to approve Lord Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington, even after he failed security vetting.

The situation has raised questions about transparency and the decision-making process within the government. Allies of Sir Ollie Robbins claim the Prime Minister either willfully or ignorantly misunderstood the vetting process. This assertion stems from a memo detailing a meeting on Tuesday evening with the Prime Minister and senior officials.

Questions Swirl Around Mandelson’s Appointment

According to the meeting notes, the Prime Minister stated he was not aware it was possible to grant clearance against security vetting advice. This suggests a potential lack of understanding regarding the process for overriding such recommendations. The appointment of Lord Mandelson, who failed his vetting, has been a point of contention.

Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator for The Times, explained on the State of It podcast the potential reasoning behind Sir Ollie Robbins’ decision. Robbins faced immense pressure to approve the appointment, with one government source describing it as clear political direction to “let this happen.” Philip Barton, Robbins’ predecessor, reportedly experienced a breakdown under the strain of this pressure.

Lack of Clarity and Transparency Cited

Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, a member of the foreign affairs committee, spoke to Times Radio about Sir Ollie Robbins’ appearance before the committee in November 2025. She described the entire process surrounding the security clearance and appointment as lacking clarity and transparency.

“We tried to go quite chronologically through the process that happened in terms of uh security clearance and vetting and him getting the appointment and taking up the role,” Kearns stated. “And actually that whole process and this whole situation of when we’ve been speaking either in the chamber trying to question Karma or in the foreign affairs committee is just really one of a lack of clarity and transparency and making it very difficult to try to get to the heart of what has happened.”

Top Aides Knew About Vetting Failure for Weeks

It has also emerged that two senior aides to Sir Keir Starmer knew about Lord Mandelson’s vetting failure for at least a couple of weeks. However, they reportedly felt unable to inform the Prime Minister due to legal reasons. Terry Stasny, The Times Radio’s political correspondent, reported on this development.

Sir Ollie Robbins’ argument is that he could not reveal information from the vetting process because that is how the system is designed to work. Ministers are not supposed to know sensitive details about individuals undergoing clearance for important government roles. The central question remains whether he could have at least informed them of the outcome without disclosing the sensitive information.

Robbins’ Defense and Prejudgment Claims

The current thinking suggests that civil servants are not meant to involve ministers, or even the Prime Minister, in these specific decisions. Sir Ollie Robbins, when he appeared before the foreign affairs committee, indicated that the Prime Minister had set the direction for the appointment. He implied this was announced even before the full vetting process was completed.

One government source commented, “The government publicly announced that Mandles had been appointed without waiting for the results of the vetting. It can’t have been considered critical at that time. Whatever they now say, it looks to me like they wanted their man in Washington at any cost and they expected the vetting to be just a rubber stamping exercise.” This raises doubts about the claim that due process was followed.

Vetting Document Held Back for Weeks

A memo detailing a meeting on Tuesday evening revealed that the Prime Minister was unaware that clearance could be granted against vetting advice. This document was requested by Cat Little, Permanent Secretary to the Cabinet Office, as a result of a Conservative Party request forcing the publication of documents related to the Mandelson appointment.

Ms. Little reportedly had the vetting document for a couple of weeks and was hesitant to share it with the Prime Minister, fearing it would breach legal rules. She consulted with Antonia Romeo, the Cabinet Secretary, who apparently agreed with this decision. This led to a two-week delay while lawyers advised on whether the information could be disclosed to the Prime Minister.

‘Original Sin’ of the Appointment

The core issue appears to be the initial decision to appoint Lord Mandelson, which some are calling the “original sin.” The subsequent revelations focus on why the Prime Minister learned about the vetting issues so late. The process and who was responsible for asking the right questions at the right time are under scrutiny.

The Prime Minister has promised full transparency in a statement expected on Monday. However, it is possible that some information will be withheld. Further documents concerning the Mandelson affair are still anticipated, and it’s unclear if the reasons for the vetting officer’s decision will become public.

Judgment Week Ahead

The Prime Minister faces the challenge of explaining this sequence of events, especially after repeatedly stating that due process was followed. Allies of Sir Ollie Robbins suggest the Prime Minister may have to plead ignorance of the vetting process, which is considered a poor look.

The coming week is being described by some as a “judgment week.” Following the Prime Minister’s statement on Monday, Sir Ollie Robbins is scheduled to appear before the Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday. The situation promises further scrutiny and potential revelations.

Source: Starmer ‘Not Aware It Was Even Possible’ To Override Mandelson Vetting Advice | Terry Stiastny (YouTube)