Former Foreign Office chief civil servant Sir Olly Robbins has launched a legal challenge against his dismissal, claiming the decision was unlawful and unreasonable.
Sir Olly, one of Britain’s most senior former officials, is seeking a judicial review of Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to remove him from his post during the controversy surrounding the vetting of Peter Mandelson.
His union has argued that the government’s decision was legally flawed and failed to follow proper procedures.
The case could now force ministers to defend the process behind the removal of one of Whitehall’s most influential figures.
Sir Olly played a central role in major government negotiations, including Brexit, and his dismissal has raised fresh questions over the balance between political control and civil service independence.
In a statement, Sir Olly said: “I bring this action reluctantly. It would have been unnecessary if the prime minister had simply apologised for his mistake and made amends for the distress and cost it has caused me and my family.
“Instead, I now have to ask the courts to determine that the Prime Minister’s decisions were unlawful, unreasonable and to quash them.”
The legal challenge adds further pressure on the government as it faces scrutiny over accountability and decision-making at the highest levels.
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