Was the government right to pay Sir Olly Robbins a six-figure settlement after sacking him over Mandelson’s vetting?
The government settled out of court with Sir Olly Robbins on 16 October 2026, ending his judicial review. Reports say he received a six-figure sum, though the exact amount has not been published. He was dismissed as Foreign Office permanent secretary in April 2026 after it emerged he had overruled a vetting recommendation against Peter Mandelson's US ambassador clearance. Robbins argued his sacking was irrational and had no fair process. The FDA union said the affair had damaged trust between civil servants and ministers. The sum is smaller than the record £859,496 paid to former Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald.
6 Opinions
This is basic workers protection rights
Although Olly Robbins was a scapegoat, Getting paid for making mistakes is not good for taxpayers and encourages other decision makers to not worry about the consequences of their actions
No, he was sacked for incompetence. On other hand costs of courts, trials and lawyers are way too high in the UK and take way too long. Fundamental change is required.
The government clearly messed up the dismissal process, and this six figure payout is the price of that incompetence. So based on legal pragmatism alone, it's yes. But do not thing he is absolved of all wrong doing.
I think he was incorrect, but if it was cheaper than a legal battle, it was in the interests of the taxpayer to do it.
If you’re sacked then there should be no payout.