In the ongoing Peter Mandelson vetting affair, known as 'Mandygate', Cabinet Office top civil servant Cat Little has delivered testimony that poses a significant challenge to former Foreign Office counterpart Olly Robbins. While Robbins relied on personal recollections, Little came armed with an audit trail, a powerful weapon in the civil service.
Little's Revelations
Little revealed that in a meeting with Robbins two months ago, he refused to release files related to Mandelson's vetting decision. These documents showed that Robbins had been advised against granting clearance but did so anyway. Little stated, 'I specifically asked to see this document and any decision-making audit trail... It was made clear to me that that information would not be forthcoming.' She confirmed that Robbins himself told her this, though reasons were not discussed.
Audit Trail vs. Recollections
Unlike Robbins, who was reliant on memory of an oral briefing, Little's account was backed by evidence. She noted that three private secretaries attended the meeting and she personally kept a record. This contrast highlights the differing approaches of the two senior officials.
Further Discrepancies
Little also addressed a mystery: why the Foreign Office requested Mandelson's vetting documents four days after his sacking in September 2025. Robbins claimed he 'considered' viewing the file but was told he could not without national security justification. However, Little's paper trail confirmed that the Foreign Office security team requested and received the documents that day. She said no reason was given for the request.
Little's Own Conduct
Little acknowledged that she and Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo knew about Mandelson's vetting file but waited nearly three weeks to inform Prime Minister Starmer. She explained that legal and policy advice was needed before disclosing such sensitive information, and the Cabinet Office was 'very worried' about releasing the file to Parliament.
Little's evidence, delivered with little drama, nonetheless creates a real headache for Robbins and adds layers to the scandal that has gripped Westminster.
