MPs seek veto over political ambassadors after Mandelson row
Summary
The UK Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee wants to have the power to reject political appointments to top diplomatic jobs after problems with Lord Peter Mandelson becoming the UK ambassador to the US. The committee criticized the process for Mandelson's appointment, saying it was not clear and lacked proper security checks before he started the role.Key Facts
- Lord Peter Mandelson was appointed as UK ambassador to the US in 2024 but was removed last year due to links with Jeffrey Epstein.
- Mandelson passed Developed Vetting, a security check, after his appointment was announced but before officially starting in February 2025.
- The Foreign Affairs Committee said the appointment process seemed to be created during the process, lacking clear rules.
- The committee proposes that no public appointments should be made without security clearance first.
- They want to hold hearings to review political ambassador appointments before they are finalized.
- The committee suggests it should have veto power over appointments it finds unsuitable.
- They criticized poor record-keeping by Number 10 and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
- Recommendations include better consultation with the foreign secretary and diplomatic leaders before political ambassador appointments.
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