MPs seek veto over political ambassadors after Mandelson row

Members of Parliament are pushing for the power to veto political appointments to ambassadorial roles, spurred by a recent controversy surrounding Lord Mandelson's security clearance. A report examining the process highlighted concerns about how political appointments are handled, suggesting that officials sometimes took a "dismissive view" of the necessity for thorough security vetting.

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the Committee has been left with every impression that this process was being made up as it went along.

The report detailed instances of "appalling" record-keeping by both Number 10 and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It suggested that a lack of proper documentation may have contributed to issues during the vetting process. The committee responsible for the report felt that the process for Lord Mandelson's appointment appeared to be improvised, stating, "the Committee has been left with every impression that this process was being made up as it went along."

To prevent future issues, the report recommends establishing a formal process for political appointments. This would include compulsory evidence sessions before the Foreign Affairs Committee for political appointees, granting the committee a veto if an appointee is deemed not to meet the required standards. These hearings would specifically apply to political appointees, not career civil servants.

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still unanswered questions as to how someone so clearly unfit was appointed British Ambassador to the United States.

Dame Emily Thornberry, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed strong criticism, questioning how someone considered unfit was appointed British Ambassador to the United States. She described the situation as an "unmitigated disaster for the country" and called for measures to ensure transparency and adherence to established checks and balances, emphasizing that vital security checks should not be treated as a mere inconvenience.

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Processes were rushed or simply not followed. The usual checks and balances were not made. Vital security checks, integral to our national security, seemed to be viewed as a nuisance.