The Prediction Details

Full Prediction Statement

“We’ll brief you further in person from 6 January onwards, including at higher tiers.”

Predictor

Head of the US & Canada department, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Prediction Date

N/A

Prediction Published In

Mandelson was offered highly classified briefing before he finished vetting process

Prediction Source

www.theguardian.com

Fulfillment Statement

From 6 January 2025 onwards

The Prediction in Context

Source: www.theguardian.com

The offer of a briefing came just over a fortnight after Mandelson’s appointment had been announced on 20 December 2024. An email dated 23 December from the head of the US & Canada department at the FCDO to Mandelson outlined his onboarding arrangements. In this email, the official states: “We’ll brief you further in person from 6 January onwards, including at higher tiers.” An email does not formally confirm Mandelson’s developed vetting clearance until 30 January 2025, his formal offer of employment. Mandelson was asked then to apply for an even higher level of vetting – Strap clearance – which was not initiated until 4 February. The emails suggest he would have received higher-tier briefings before either of these processes were complete.