Revealed: Mandelson failed vetting but Foreign Office overruled decision
Source: The Guardian
Peter Mandelson failed his security vetting clearance but the decision was overruled by the Foreign Office to ensure he could take up his post as ambassador to the US, an investigation by the Guardian can reveal.
According to multiple sources, Mandelson was initially denied clearance in late January 2025 after a developed vetting process, a highly confidential background check by security officials.
Keir Starmer had by then announced he would be making Mandelson the UK’s chief diplomat in Washington, posing a dilemma for officials at the Foreign Office, who decided to use a rarely used authority to override the recommendation from security officials.
Mandelson’s failure to secure vetting approval has not previously been publicly revealed, despite intense scrutiny over his appointment and the release by the government of 147 pages of documents supposed to shed light on the case.
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/16/revealed-mandelson-failed-vetting-but-foreign-office-overruled-decision
The prime minister did not know Lord Mandelson failed security vetting for the role of US ambassador until earlier this week, the government has said.
A spokesperson said the decision to go against the recommendation of the vetting agency and allow him to take up the role was taken by officials in the Foreign Office.
Sir Keir Starmer has faced calls to resign over allegations he misled Parliament and MPs when he claimed "full due process" was followed during the appointment.
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During Prime Minister's Questions on 10 September 2025, Sir Keir said three times that "full due process" was followed for the appointment.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2r15151xgo
Someone needs sacking. What's the point of vetting if you ignore it?