A high-ranking government official is under scrutiny regarding the vetting process of Lord Peter Mandelson, leading to increased pressure on Keir Starmer over the appointment.
Cat Little, the top Cabinet Office official, is set to testify before the Foreign Affairs Committee concerning how Lord Mandelson received clearance despite concerns raised by security officials.
The Prime Minister dismissed Sir Olly Robbins last week after discovering that the Foreign Office had sent Lord Mandelson to Washington without informing him, despite security objections about the vetting process.
In a recent session, Cat Little defended her decision not to disclose the information, accusing No10 of disregarding proper vetting procedures and suggesting that her department faced pressure to expedite the appointment.
Keir Starmer has accused political rivals of exploiting the Mandelson scandal to disrupt the government, asserting that the cabinet remains unified.
During the committee hearing, Cat Little disclosed that she directly sought vetting information from security officials after Sir Olly refused to share it with her, emphasizing her duty to thoroughly review the information for compliance and advice to the Prime Minister.
Little clarified that she delayed informing the PM due to the need for legal counsel, emphasizing her responsibility to handle sensitive security information within legal guidelines.
She affirmed that she promptly informed the PM about the Mandelson vetting issues after becoming aware of them in late March, asserting that she acted swiftly and appropriately.
Regarding claims made by Sir Olly Robbins, Little refrained from commenting, stating that she can only confirm information she has personally seen to avoid breaching security protocols.
Little maintained that proper procedures were followed in Lord Mandelson’s appointment, explaining the vetting recommendation process involving UK Security Vetting and the Foreign Office.
She recounted her unsuccessful attempt to access Foreign Office documents related to the vetting decision, indicating a lack of cooperation in providing the requested information.
Little addressed questions about Sir Olly Robbins attempting to access his vetting file, stating she found no evidence of such a request, and clarified the purpose of the UK Security Vetting report in the decision-making process.
Cabinet Office discussions with the Foreign Office on Lord Mandelson’s security vetting needs were outlined by Little, asserting that while the process was not obstructed, there was a need for policy advice on the matter.
Little emphasized her oversight role in the vetting process but clarified that day-to-day operations were not under her purview.
Amidst allegations of a split in the Cabinet over the Mandelson scandal, a minister dismissed such claims as baseless and asserted Cabinet unity in addressing the situation.
Upcoming parliamentary hearings will include Keir Starmer’s former aide Morgan McSweeney, who resigned earlier this year, taking responsibility for advising the PM on Lord Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador amidst controversy.
Cat Little, the senior civil servant, is currently facing inquiries about the Lord Mandelson vetting process, as scrutiny mounts on Keir Starmer regarding the appointment.
