British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was warned about the "reputational risks" of appointing Peter Mandelson as U.S. Ambassador due to his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, files released on Wednesday (11 March) show.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was warned about the "reputational risks" of appointing Peter Mandelson as U.S. Ambassador due to his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein, files released on Wednesday (11 March) show.
The Prime Minister previously said that he was not made aware of the extent of links Epstein and Mandelson had when he appointed him.
In the so-called ‘Mandelson Files’, it shows that Lord Mandelson asked for over £500,000 compensation when he was sacked. The Government later agreed to give him £75,000.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones MP while speaking in the House of Commons said they would have preferred “not to give him a single pound”.
Following a parliamentary demand last month, MPs used a procedure known as a 'Humble Address' to compel the government to publish thousands of papers concerning Mandelson’s 2024 appointment.
Only a small number of documents have been published, with thousands more expected soon.
The first batch of papers were released to the public and MPs at 2pm (UK time) with opposition parties criticising the timing, suggesting the Prime Minister is seeking to “dodge questions” by scheduling the disclosure after the weekly Prime Ministers Questions.
The files revealed that Mandelson was a "founding citizen" of a conservation group set up by then-girlfriend of Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell. The group was funded by Epstein.
Questions had been raised over the peer’s vetting process and his links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Since the Address passed, a cross-party committee, the Intelligence and Security Committee, has been working with government officials to decide which documents can be released and which must be redacted to protect national security.
Jones said there was only a minor redaction by the committee in the file release.
The process has been complicated by an ongoing police investigation into Lord Mandelson, on suspicion of ‘Misconduct in Public Office’, accused of passing sensitive information to Epstein while serving as Business Secretary.
The government has said that some documents may remain withheld whilst the investigation is ongoing but will release them afterwards.
Lord Mandelson was appointed ambassador to the United States in December 2024 but was removed from the post last September following revelations about his friendship with Epstein. Mandelson suggested to the government to use Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage as a "bridgehead" to U.S. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the documents revealed.
He resigned from the Labour Party in early February and was arrested on 23rd February.
His lawyers said last week that his passport had been returned by the Metropolitan Police, adding that he does not pose a flight risk. Mandelson maintains that he has not acted criminally, did not seek personal gain, and is cooperating fully with the investigation.
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