Politics · 21 April 2026
Fired Foreign Office boss says he felt pressure on Mandelson
The prime minister's account of the Peter Mandelson affair took a direct hit today. Former Foreign Office permanent secretary Sir Olly Robbins told the Foreign Affairs Committee there was an atmosphere of pressure from Downing Street to clear Mandelson as US ambassador despite security concerns. Robbins said vetters called it a borderline case leaning against clearance, but he approved it anyway because risks could be managed.
Reported by Associated Press · How we write briefs