UK’s diplomats left in disarray by Mandelson scandal – POLITICO

LONDON — King Charles appears to have pulled off his high-stakes U.S. visit — but back on a street in Whitehall bearing his name, things look far less rosy.

Officials at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), housed in a grand 19th century building on King Charles Street, are facing a torrid time, hit by scandal, key vacancies at the top, and a biting program of cuts that’s forcing hard choices.

Olly Robbins, a veteran of Brexit negotiations hand-picked by the Keir Starmer to steward the FCDO, was sacked by Prime Minister Starmer a fortnight ago for his role in alleged security vetting lapses during Peter Mandelson’s ill-fated appointment as U.S. ambassador.