Former Diplomatic Chief Criticises Handling of Top Civil Servant's Removal

Lord Simon McDonald, the former head of the UK's diplomatic service, has publicly stated that a senior colleague was unfairly treated during his departure from government.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, McDonald confirmed that former top civil servant Olly Robbins was "thrown under the bus."

The Timing of the Departure

McDonald pointed to the circumstances surrounding Robbins' removal as evidence of unfair treatment.

"The timing of Robbins' removal, which occurred on the same day a story about him first appeared in the Guardian, indicated that 'Number 10 wanted a scalp, they wanted it quickly.'"

A Lack of Fair Process

The former permanent under-secretary for the Foreign Office expressed strong criticism of the manner in which the situation was handled, suggesting a proper process was not followed.

"I cannot see that there was any process, any fairness, any giving him the chance to set out his case, and that feels to me wrong," McDonald added.