Former NI police ombudsman appointed despite 'concerns', claims DUP leader

The former police ombudsman for Northern Ireland was appointed "despite security service concerns", the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has claimed. Gavin Robinson made the allegation in the Commons about the former Conservative government's appointment in 2019 of Marie Anderson. It came as MPs questioned the prime minister over the security vetting controversy surrounding former US ambassador Peter Mandelson. Sir Keir Starmer told the DUP leader he would ensure a review of the vetting process "covers all the relevant issues". BBC News NI has also attempted to contact Anderson. She has indicated she will not be making any comment. A Northern Ireland Office spokesperson said: "We are looking into our records and will respond as soon as possible." Anderson retired from her role as police ombudsman in December. Much of her tenure was overshadowed by a two-year police investigation related to a domestic incident at her home that resulted in no prosecutions. Speaking in the Commons on Monday, Robinson said it was "incredible to learn that in Northern Ireland, a political appointment was made following the refusal to clear an individual for security access". He told MPs the