When it comes to ‘self-serving stuff’: anger remains high in whitehall over olly robbins sacking, anger continues to simmer in Whitehall following the abrupt dismissal of senior Foreign Office civil servant Olly Robbins by Labour leader Keir Starmer. Supporters of Robbins have voiced their outrage over what they perceive as a politically motivated decision, calling it "total self-serving, narrow, selfish, political endgame stuff." Robbins was removed from his position after failing to inform Prime Minister Starmer that former US ambassador Peter Mandelson had not passed the UK security vetting process, a situation that has since drawn significant backlash.
Understanding ‘Self-serving Stuff’: Anger Remains High In Whitehall Over Olly Robbins Sacking
Within the corridors of Whitehall, many civil servants are rallying behind Robbins, arguing that his dismissal was unjust. Senior officials believe he was effectively sacked for adhering to the instructions of No 10, namely expediting Mandelson's vetting while implementing mitigations to address security concerns. This sentiment is compounded by perceptions that Starmer himself has been blindsided by the fallout from the Mandelson affair. Starmer described Robbins' failure to alert him regarding the vetting issue as "staggering," highlighting a significant breach of trust. Originally reported by The Guardian.
The situation marks a troubling low point in the relationship between No 10 and the civil service, a dynamic that has already been strained following the ousting of cabinet secretary Chris Wormald earlier this year. Observers note that a chilling atmosphere now permeates Whitehall, leaving many officials questioning their ability to take risks if they believe their political leaders won't support them when things go awry. One mid-ranking official remarked, "Why will we do anything vaguely risky that ministers want if we think they won't have our backs if it goes wrong?" The goodwill that once existed towards a Labour administration after 14 years of Conservative rule appears to have dissipated in light of how Robbins and Wormald have been treated.
Robbins' Shock and the Reaction from Former Officials
Robbins learned about his dismissal via letter on a Monday morning, just days after Starmer forced him out of his role as permanent secretary. During a parliamentary hearing, Robbins expressed his disbelief at the manner of his termination, although he refrained from elaborating on the specific reasons given for his sacking. A former senior No 10 official noted that the "guild of former permanent secretaries is on his side," indicating that there's a growing consensus among former officials that Robbins' treatment was unwarranted. They noted that past cabinet secretaries, such as Jeremy Heywood, would not have allowed such a public humiliation of a permanent secretary, suggesting that even during Conservative administrations, there was more respect for civil service roles.
Dave Penman, the general secretary of the FDA, who sat behind Robbins during the hearing, underscored the widespread sentiment: "After the evidence today, people will look at this and come to the conclusion that Olly was tossed out by the prime minister and did absolutely nothing wrong. He got the sack for doing what he was asked to do." Prominent figures, including former cabinet secretary Gus O'Donnell and Simon McDonald, the former permanent secretary of the Foreign Office, have also voiced concerns regarding the implications of Robbins' dismissal on ministerial-civil servant relations.
Security Concerns Emerge Amidst Political Fallout
As the fallout from Robbins' termination continues to unfold, there are growing concerns within the Foreign Office regarding the security implications of increased scrutiny around vetting processes. One source explained that some in the security establishment are feeling particularly anxious about the ramifications, stating that they are "having kittens" over the situation. Peter Ricketts, a former diplomat, characterized Robbins as an "outstanding civil servant, forensic, complete master of the issues and passionately committed to national security and the integrity of the vetting process." However, Sir Richard Dearlove, the former director of MI6, took a different view, suggesting Robbins should have directly informed No 10 about Mandelson's failed vetting.
Robbins didn't issue direct criticism of Starmer during his testimony but alluded to a difficult relationship with the political side of government, describing an "atmosphere of pressure" marked by a "dismissive" attitude toward the vetting process. He also expressed discomfort regarding inquiries from No 10 about placing Matthew Doyle, a former director of communications, in a diplomatic role while experienced officials were being sidelined.
The treatment of Olly Robbins, in light of these revelations, signals a deeper crisis within the British political landscape, raising questions about the future of civil servant roles and the integrity of the vetting process itself. As the Labour administration navigates these turbulent waters, the implications for governance and civil service relationships will undoubtedly unfold in the months to come.Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.