Published : 11 Sep 2026, 04:39 AM
Updated : 16 Sep 2026, 11:49 AM
Britain's Foreign Office has appointed its first female permanent head, with Lindy Cameron, the UK's high commissioner to India, taking on the role of permanent undersecretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Cameron replaces Olly Robbins, who was dismissed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer following a vetting scandal involving former US ambassador Peter Mandelson, reports The Guardian.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband praised Cameron's "enormous experience across diplomacy, development and national security," citing her recent tenure as high commissioner in India and her record of "dynamic leadership in postings across the world".
Cameron brings a formidable résumé to the role.
According to The Guardian, she previously served as chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre and held senior positions at the Northern Ireland Office and the former Department for International Development.
The Guardian says Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo highlighted Cameron's "excellent track record in security and diplomacy, combined with her considerable experience in international development".
Her appointment comes as the Foreign Office works to rebuild its reputation following a period of significant turbulence.
Mandelson was appointed as ambassador to Washington before being removed over the extent of his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and allegations that he leaked government information while serving as a minister, according to The Guardian.
Robbins was sacked after Starmer said he had not been given the full picture regarding Mandelson's failure to pass UK security vetting in January 2025.
Robbins has since launched a legal challenge, applying to the high court for a judicial review of his dismissal.
The Guardian reports that the department has also been cutting jobs following Starmer's decision to reduce the foreign aid budget, having previously absorbed the international development function after the former Conservative government abolished the separate Department for International Development.
Cameron's appointment is part of a broader reshuffle at the top of the civil service.
Cat Little, formerly leading the Cabinet Office, is moving to head the Department for Business and Trade, while Tom Riordan, a former local government official, is taking the top role at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
