PM's ex-chief of staff to give evidence on Mandelson vetting
Summary
The UK prime minister’s former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, will give evidence to a parliamentary committee about his role in the security vetting of Lord Mandelson for an ambassador position. The vetting process faced criticism after Mandelson was removed from the role due to concerns about his past associations, and several officials, including senior civil servants, are now testifying about the case.Key Facts
- Morgan McSweeney advised the prime minister to appoint Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US.
- McSweeney will face questions about possible pressure to speed up Mandelson’s security vetting.
- Sir Olly Robbins, a former senior Foreign Office civil servant, said the vetting process faced dismissive attitudes and pressure to complete quickly.
- Mandelson was granted security clearance despite concerns raised by the UK Security and Vetting team.
- Mandelson was removed from his diplomatic post seven months later because of his past friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
- Several senior officials, including Cat Little and Ian Collard, are scheduled to give evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee.
- The prime minister expressed anger about not being informed about Mandelson’s vetting problems and effectively dismissed Sir Olly Robbins.
- The incident has caused political debate about the prime minister’s judgment and the vetting process in the UK government.
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