No, Minister: the week Keir Starmer had his own Sir Humphrey moment
Summary
Keir Starmer faced public criticism after a top civil servant, Olly Robbins, was fired for not telling the prime minister about security concerns over Peter Mandelson’s nomination as ambassador. Robbins defended his actions in a parliamentary committee, and some politicians questioned the prime minister's decision to dismiss him.Key Facts
- Olly Robbins was fired by the prime minister for not informing him about Peter Mandelson’s failed security vetting.
- Robbins told the foreign affairs committee that the vetting was borderline but leaning against Mandelson.
- The government allows briefing outside security vetting only in "wholly exceptional circumstances."
- Some cabinet ministers questioned the prime minister’s judgment over the firing.
- Former minister Ann Widdecombe referenced similar past events where politicians clashed with senior civil servants.
- Widdecombe explained that attacking skilled civil servants often backfires and leads to scrutiny of those who sack them.
- The article mentions past political disputes involving ministers and civil servants, showing a pattern of conflict.
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