Peter Mandelson files to be published as police continue investigating former ambassador's ties to Epstein

Peter Mandelson files to be published as police continue investigating former ambassador's ties to Epstein
Former British ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson enters a car as he leaves his residence after he was released following his arrest, London, Britain, 26 February 2026.
Reuters

The first batch of Peter Mandelson’s papers on his 2024 ambassadorial appointment is set to be published on Wednesday, following a parliamentary order. The release comes amid police investigations over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.

The disclosure follows a parliamentary demand last month, when MPs used a procedure known as a 'humble address' to compel the government to publish thousands of papers concerning Mandelson’s 2024 appointment.

Questions had been raised over the peer’s vetting process and his links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Since the order, 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 and diplomatic relationships.

The process has been further complicated by an ongoing police investigation into Lord Mandelson. Some documents may remain withheld if their disclosure could prejudice any potential future court case.

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.

He resigned from the Labour Party in early February and was arrested on 23 February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, accused of passing sensitive information to Epstein while serving as Business Secretary.

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.

Cabinet minister Darren Jones is expected to address MPs after Prime Minister’s Questions, as Downing Street prepares to release the initial papers.

Some Conservatives have criticised the timing, suggesting the Prime Minister is seeking to “dodge questions” by scheduling the disclosure after the weekly parliamentary scrutiny session.

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