Downing Street Proposed Diplomatic Post for Lord Doyle, Former Foreign Office Head Reveals

Sir Olly Robbins disclosed before the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee that Downing Street initiated multiple discussions regarding a potential diplomatic post for Lord Doyle. These discussions, concerning a 'head of mission opportunity' for Lord Doyle, occurred while he served as the Prime Minister's director of communications.

Instructions Not to Inform Foreign Secretary

Sir Olly, who was dismissed last week, stated he received 'strict instruction not to discuss that with the then foreign secretary', a directive he found 'uncomfortable'. He added that he was unsure 'who exactly was behind' the suggestion or 'how serious it was'. The proposal emerged shortly after Sir Olly assumed leadership of the Foreign Office in January of last year, coinciding with discussions of potential job losses within his department. He expressed difficulty in justifying such an appointment while experienced diplomats faced redundancy.

Current Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, who was not in post at the time, voiced 'extreme concern' over any suggestion that senior civil servants would be told to withhold information from the foreign secretary, adding that Lord Doyle 'would not have been an appropriate appointment'.

Lord Doyle Denies Knowledge

Lord Doyle, who was made a Labour peer and subsequently suspended from the parliamentary party over links to a convicted sex offender, denied any knowledge of these discussions. In a statement, he asserted, 'I have never sought any head of mission, ambassador or any equivalent leadership-type posting. I was never aware of anyone speaking to the FCDO [Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office] about such a role for me.'

Wider Concerns About Patronage

The revelation compounds existing scrutiny of the Prime Minister's judgement, particularly following the appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador despite concerns raised during his vetting process. Opposition parties have criticised the alleged move, with Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, stating that if true, it 'shows an arrogance amongst some people at No 10... where they just feel they can do what they want'. Sir Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat leader, described Sir Olly's claims as 'incredibly damning' and indicative of 'a pattern of behaviour'.