Sir Olly Robbins, the former top civil servant at the Foreign Office who was sacked by Sir Keir Starmer over the Lord Mandelson vetting debacle, is taking legal action. The FDA, the union for senior civil servants, announced he is seeking a judicial review, arguing the dismissal lacked "even the semblance of a fair process" and risks damaging the civil service.

For those needing a refresher: Lord Mandelson was announced as UK ambassador to the US in December 2024, before thorough vetting, and formally took the role in February 2025 after clearance. Seven months later, he was sacked after revelations about his friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Sir Olly was axed in April after a Guardian story revealed Mandelson's clearance was granted despite vetting officials' concerns - news that left the PM "furious" he hadn't been told.

Sir Keir told MPs he sacked Sir Olly because he "did not accept his explanation" for why clearance was granted. But Sir Olly claims he never saw the full vetting documentation, only an oral briefing describing Mandelson as a "borderline case" where clearance could be granted with "appropriate risk management." The FDA argues the PM misunderstood the process: rather than being obliged to inform ministers about the vetting, Sir Olly was duty-bound not to. The union also questions whether Starmer had legal authority to dismiss him, given his role as head of the diplomatic service.

Sir Olly, a Brexit negotiations veteran, said he brings the action "reluctantly" and would have preferred an apology from the PM. A government spokesperson, in the time-honoured tradition of saying nothing, commented: "We do not comment on legal proceedings."