Olly Robbins, a senior civil servant, has launched a judicial review against Labour leader Keir Starmer, claiming his sacking was 'unlawful' and 'unreasonable'. The move comes after Robbins was removed from his position as a senior advisor following a scandal involving Lord Peter Mandelson.
According to sources, Robbins was let go from his role at the Labour Party's headquarters in London. The exact details surrounding his departure remain unclear, but it is understood that Robbins' sacking was linked to an investigation into the party's handling of allegations against Lord Mandelson.
Robbins has reportedly argued that his removal was not in line with standard civil service procedures. The Labour Party has not publicly commented on the situation, but insiders suggest that the party is reviewing its response to the allegations.
The judicial review is set to take place in the coming weeks, with Robbins' lawyers arguing that his sacking was a breach of the ministerial code. The code requires ministers to act in an impartial and professional manner, and Robbins' lawyers argue that he was unfairly targeted in the wake of the scandal.
The implications of the judicial review are likely to be significant, with Robbins' lawyers arguing that the decision sets a precedent for the treatment of civil servants in future scandals. The Labour Party, meanwhile, is facing criticism from opposition MPs who argue that the party's handling of the situation has been inadequate.
The Conservative Party has also weighed in on the issue, with a spokesperson stating that the Labour Party's actions were 'deeply concerning' and 'undermined public trust in politics'. The party has called for greater transparency and accountability in the wake of the scandal.