Cabinet Office Official Reveals Delay in Sharing Mandelson Vetting Concerns with Prime Minister

During her committee appearance, Ms Little affirmed that "due process" was followed in Lord Mandelson's vetting, explaining that UKSV makes recommendations while the Foreign Office retains decision-making authority for developed vetting (DV).

This statement aligns with the Prime Minister's public stance and Sir Keir Starmer's previous assurances to the House of Commons that "full due process" occurred, despite opposition claims that Parliament was misled.

Ms Little stated she found no formal documentation to corroborate Sir Olly Robbins' claim that Downing Street exerted "constant pressure" for a swift vetting completion. Sir Olly had asserted that his department faced urgency to appoint Lord Mandelson quickly but denied bowing to such pressure.

Ms Little, tasked with overseeing the release of documents concerning Lord Mandelson's appointment following a parliamentary humble address, informed MPs that the Foreign Office initially withheld information regarding UKSV's vetting recommendation. She subsequently obtained the details directly from security officials on 25 March but did not share them with the Prime Minister until 14 April, citing a need for legal advice on handling sensitive documents.

While a Cabinet Office "due diligence" report flagged reputational risks – including Lord Mandelson's links to Jeffrey Epstein and his lobbying firm's client dealings – Ms Little acknowledged that the full security vetting file could contain more comprehensive information. This distinction is critical given the Prime Minister's assertion that he would not have proceeded with the appointment had he known about UKSV's adverse recommendation.

Ms Little also noted the unusual absence of a formal record for the meeting where the Prime Minister approved Lord Mandelson's appointment, stating it is "normal to keep a record of those sorts of decisions."

Contrasting with Sir Olly Robbins' claim that the Cabinet Office initially argued against vetting Lord Mandelson, Ms Little stated that her department's senior officials advised the Foreign Office that vetting was necessary.