Ex-Foreign Office chief Olly Robbins believed to be in talks over top security role
Civil service high-flyer caught up in Mandelson vetting row thought to be discussing comeback with Burnham’s team
TL;DR
- Olly Robbins, former chief of the Foreign Office, is in discussions with Andy Burnham's team for a security role.
- The potential role is speculated to be national security adviser.
- Robbins was dismissed by Keir Starmer after the Guardian revealed he overturned a recommendation to deny clearance for Peter Mandelson.
- Mandelson's vetting concerns included associations with figures in China, Russia, and Israel.
- Senior civil servants reportedly supported Robbins, suggesting he was sacked for doing what Number 10 wanted.
- Robbins is seen by Burnham's team as an 'outstanding operator' and a 'heavyweight replacement' for the national security adviser role.
- Yvette Cooper, the foreign secretary, offered a neutral comment on speculation about Robbins' appointment.