Lindy Cameron, the UK's high commissioner to India, has been appointed the first ever female permanent undersecretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, replacing Olly Robbins, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- Lindy Cameron is the first female head of the UK Foreign Office, according to the Guardian.
- She was previously the UK high commissioner to India.
- She takes over the role of permanent undersecretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
- She replaces Olly Robbins, who the Guardian reported was sacked over the Peter Mandelson scandal.
The UK Foreign Office has its first ever female head following the appointment of Lindy Cameron, according to the Guardian. Cameron, who has been serving as the high commissioner to India, will take up the role of permanent undersecretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Cameron’s appointment marks the first time a woman has held the post of permanent undersecretary at the department.
Cameron replaces Olly Robbins, who was sacked over the Peter Mandelson scandal, the Guardian reported. Her move from the high commission in India to the role follows Robbins’s departure.
The appointment was reported by the Guardian on 10 September 2026. The source did not provide further detail on the timing of Cameron’s move or on the circumstances of Robbins’s departure beyond its link to the Peter Mandelson scandal.
Why it matters
The appointment marks the first time a woman has led the UK Foreign Office, a department central to Britain's diplomacy and international relations.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Lindy Cameron?
According to the Guardian, Lindy Cameron is the UK's high commissioner to India who has now been appointed the first female permanent undersecretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Who did Lindy Cameron replace?
She replaces Olly Robbins, who was sacked over the Peter Mandelson scandal, the Guardian reported.
What is the role Cameron has been appointed to?
She becomes permanent undersecretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, making her the head of the UK Foreign Office.