Retired high court judge to review Peter Mandelson's vetting process

"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."

"Starmer says it is staggering' and unforgivable' he was not told Mandelson failed vetting, leading to increased pressure on him amid claims from the prime minister and other Cabinet colleagues."

"Mandelson's failed application for developed vetting clearance did not go to the panel as officials in the Foreign Office employed the rarely used power to overrule the recommendation from security officials in United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV)."

A retired high court judge will review Peter Mandelson's vetting process and the national security vetting system. This follows a Guardian investigation revealing that security officials recommended against Mandelson's developed vetting clearance, but the Foreign Office overruled this decision. The situation led to the resignation of Olly Robbins and increased pressure on Keir Starmer. Adrian Fulford is expected to lead the review. The decision to allow Mandelson's ambassadorship without clearance has caused confusion and anger within Whitehall.

Read at www.theguardian.com