The prime minister’s allies maintain this morning, as Sir Keir set out in the House of Commons on Monday, that their interpretation of the law is very different and Sir Olly could and should have shared that information with ministers.
Supporters of Sir Keir struggle to understand why Sir Olly, having initially decided against sharing the information, remained of that view after Lord Mandelson’s sacking and when questions returned about the process surrounding his appointment.
The chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, Dame Emily Thornberry, is furious with Sir Olly for failing to disclose what he knew to the committee when they asked specifically about Lord Mandelson’s vetting.
A key question in advance of the committee’s questioning is whether Sir Olly acknowledges sharing what he knew with anyone else and, if so, who and what it was he chose to tell them and not tell them.
The prime minister will hope the former senior civil servant’s testimony will strengthen their argument that there were repeated opportunities for him to be informed and these were not taken.
After the committee’s session with Sir Olly, there will be another debate on the issue in the Commons, secured by the Conservatives.
Reflecting last night on suggestions the entire British state was being brought to bear against Sir Olly, an ally said: “That’s exactly how it feels.”
