Retired high court judge to review Peter Mandelson’s vetting process
April 17, 2026
Exclusive: Adrian Fulford will also examine wider national security vetting system after Foreign Office controversy UK politics live – latest updates A retired high court judge is expected to review Peter Mandelson’s vetting process and the wider national security vetting system. The review, commissioned by Downing Street, comes after a Guardian investigation revealing that security officials decided Mandelson should not receive developed vetting clearance , but were overruled by the Foreign Office to allow him to become US ambassador. Continue reading...
A retired high court judge is set to lead a formal review into the vetting process of Peter Mandelson, the former ambassador to the United States, following explosive revelations that the Foreign Office overruled a decision by security officials to deny him clearance. The review, commissioned by Downing Street, will be headed by Sir Adrian Fulford and will also examine the wider national security vetting system. This development deepens a political crisis that has already resulted in the resignation of a top civil servant and has placed intense pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government.
The controversy ignited after it was revealed that Mr. Mandelson failed his developed vetting check in January 2025, a rigorous process for individuals in sensitive government roles. Despite UK Security Vetting (UKSV) recommending against his clearance, officials at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) used a rarely employed power to override the decision, allowing his appointment as ambassador to proceed. The disclosure led to the ousting of Sir Olly Robbins, the most senior civil servant at the Foreign Office, who has stepped down from his role.
Prime Minister Starmer has expressed outrage, stating it is "staggering" and "unforgivable" that he and other ministers were not informed of the overruled security recommendation. He has repeatedly told Parliament that "due process was followed" in the appointment. The government now faces accusations of misleading the public and Parliament, with opposition leaders calling for Starmer's resignation. Downing Street maintains that no minister was aware of the override and that the decision was taken solely by FCDO officials.
The scandal's roots lie in Mr. Mandelson's appointment in December 2024, a decision that was controversial from the start due to his known association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mr. Starmer dismissed Mandelson from the ambassadorial post in September 2025 after new details about the extent of his relationship with Epstein came to light. The situation escalated in early 2026 with further allegations, which led to Mr. Mandelson's resignation from the Labour Party and the House of Lords, and a subsequent arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The upcoming review by Sir Adrian Fulford, who recently chaired an inquiry into a separate matter and also presides over the security vetting appeals panel, is expected to scrutinize how the initial decision was overridden. The government has already suspended the power for departments to overrule the UK's vetting body and has pledged to change security vetting processes for future political appointments to ensure clearance is granted before any announcement is made. The findings of the review could have profound implications for civil service procedures and ministerial accountability, as the Starmer administration battles to contain the growing political fallout.
Source: theguardian