Former Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office permanent secretary Sir Olly Robbins could return to government if Andy Burnham becomes prime minister, according to reports.
Robbins was dramatically sacked by current PM Keir Starmer in April after it emerged that the FCDO had approved Peter Mandelson’s appointment as the UK’s ambassador to Washington DC in spite of concerns thrown up by developed vetting checks.
Both the Guardian and the Independent report today that Robbins has talked with senior members of expected Labour Party leadership contender Burnham’s team about a potential senior role in a future administration.
Former Greater Manchester mayor Burnham only returned to parliament this week following his Makerfield byelection win. However, he may well become the only formal candidate to succeed Starmer, who announced his resignation as Labour Party leader on Monday.
The Guardian said Robbins has already had “early exploratory talks” with senior advisers to Burnham, with “insiders” suggesting that he could be appointed as national security adviser in a new administration.
Jonathan Powell currently holds that post, although Robbins previously served as deputy national security adviser when David Cameron was prime minister.
The Guardian said “sources” had told it that Burnham’s team regarded Robbins as an “outstanding operator”.
When he was sacked, Robbins was said to have “lost the confidence” of both Starmer and foreign secretary Yvette Cooper.
In an interview with ITV political editor Robert Peston yesterday, Cooper endorsed Burnham for Labour Party leader and PM. However, she refused to be drawn on whether Robbins might make a return to government.
“You wouldn’t expect me to comment on individuals or individual appointments,” she said. “I said at the time, Olly Robbins has a huge career in public service as a dedicated public servant.”