Olly Robbins, the senior civil servant dismissed by Sir Keir Starmer over the Lord Mandelson vetting controversy, is in discussions to take an advisory position with Andy Burnham's emerging Labour leadership, according to people familiar with the talks. The development was reported on Saturday.

Robbins, a former Cabinet Office permanent secretary and one of Whitehall's most prominent figures, became a high-profile casualty of the row over how Lord Mandelson's appointment was vetted. His departure was confirmed earlier in the week as Starmer prepared to leave Downing Street.

Burnham, who has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister, is assembling a team as the party's leadership process advances. His allies have signalled a willingness to draw on experienced Whitehall figures to steady the transition into government.

The prospect of Robbins returning in an advisory capacity drew immediate scrutiny from Conservative MPs, who questioned the judgment of rehabilitating an official so recently removed over a vetting failure. Labour figures countered that Robbins's experience in government and Brexit negotiations made him a valuable asset.

A spokesperson for Burnham's campaign declined to confirm the specifics of any appointment, saying decisions on personnel would follow the conclusion of the leadership contest.