Olly Robbins, the former Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign Office, is poised to re-enter the high-stakes world of British politics after sparking intense speculation that he will be appointed as National Security Adviser if Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister. According to sources close to Mr Burnham's team, 'exploratory talks' are underway with Mr Robbins, who has a reputation for being an "outstanding operator" in the field of national security.
Mr Robbins' return to government would mark a significant turnaround for a man whose career was marred by controversy just three months ago. He was dismissed from his position at the Foreign Office after revelations that he had overridden a recommendation from UK Security Vetting to deny security clearance for Peter Mandelson, who is embroiled in allegations of compromising Britain's national security through his associations with senior figures in China, Russia and Israel.
The circumstances surrounding Mr Robbins' departure in April 2025 have left a trail of questions within Whitehall. While Prime Minister Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper lost confidence in him over the Mandelson affair, some senior civil servants reportedly believe he was effectively dismissed for complying with the then-Prime Minister's wishes to expedite Mr Mandelson's appointment – despite Mr Robbins' own admission that he faced "constant pressure" to secure the post swiftly.
Mr Robbins boasts an impressive CV, having served as Deputy National Security Adviser and chief Brexit negotiator during his tenure. His extensive background in national security and complex diplomatic negotiations make him a highly sought-after candidate for the critical role of National Security Adviser – which requires advising the Prime Minister on all matters of national security.
The potential appointment is, however, likely to be contentious among some Labour figures, particularly those who were vocal critics of Mr Robbins' handling of the Mandelson vetting. The current Prime Minister has faced calls for greater transparency regarding the process behind Mr Mandelson's appointment – seen by many as a prime example of poor political judgment.
Jonathan Powell, the current National Security Adviser, has been praised for his work on international issues such as Trump tariffs and the Iran conflict, but also faced criticism over the Chagos Islands deal. A return to government for Mr Robbins would bring a heavyweight figure with deep experience in foreign and defence policy to a critical role within the Cabinet Office.