The government pushed through Peter Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the United States despite him failing official security vetting.
Senior security officials raised concerns and did not approve him for the role, but the Foreign Office stepped in and used rare powers to overrule the decision.
This came after Keir Starmer had already publicly announced Mandelson for the position, putting pressure on officials to make it happen regardless of the outcome of the vetting process.
The exact reasons behind the failed vetting have not been disclosed, but they are understood to relate to concerns about his background and past connections.
Overruling security advice in this way is highly unusual and raises serious questions about political interference in appointments that are supposed to be handled independently.
Critics say the move risks undermining trust in the entire vetting system, which is meant to ensure people in sensitive roles meet strict national security standards.
Mandelson, a senior figure from previous Labour governments and a close ally of Starmer, has long been a powerful figure behind the scenes in British politics.
The Foreign Office has defended the decision, saying ministers are allowed to make final calls in exceptional cases.
The revelation is likely to spark further scrutiny over whether political loyalty is being prioritised over national security in top diplomatic appointments.
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