Newly released government files show that officials warned Prime Minister Keir Starmer about concerns over Mandelson Epstein links before a key appointment.
The documents reveal that advisers flagged reputational risks tied to Peter Mandelson and his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Officials compiled a due diligence report in December 2024 before Mandelson received the role as UK ambassador to the United States.
The report stated that Mandelson maintained a particularly close relationship with Epstein even after the financier’s conviction. Moreover, advisers warned that the appointment could expose Starmer to criticism if problems emerged later.
The files formed part of a large document release that Parliament required through a formal request. Consequently, the government published the first tranche of the records this week.
Officials wrote that Mandelson Epstein links created a general repetitional risk for the government. The report also referenced a financial investigation that connected Epstein with several high profile figures.
Additionally, the documents noted that Mandelson stayed at Epstein’s home in 2009 while the financier served a prison sentence. The files also revealed that Mandelson worked with an ocean conservation group run by Ghislaine Maxwell.
Senior officials raised further concerns about the appointment process. For example, national security adviser Jonathan Powell warned that the selection process moved unusually quickly. Similarly, Philip Barton also questioned the decision and urged caution.
Another memo highlighted discussions inside Downing Street about Mandelson Epstein links. In particular, Morgan McSweeney discussed Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein during internal conversations.
Meanwhile, communications director Matthew Doyle reviewed Mandelson’s responses to questions about Epstein. Officials said Doyle felt satisfied with Mandelson’s explanations at the time.
Starmer later claimed that Mandelson misled advisers about the depth of the relationship. He also apologized publicly to Epstein’s victims after the issue resurfaced earlier this year.
In that statement, Starmer said he regretted trusting Mandelson’s account of events. Meanwhile, additional documents revealed financial disagreements following Mandelson’s dismissal as ambassador.
Emails showed that Mandelson initially requested a severance payment worth nearly £550,000. However, officials later agreed to pay him £75,000 instead.
Authorities have also opened an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office connected to Mandelson. Investigators are reviewing emails that reportedly showed communication between Mandelson and Epstein.
Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing and rejected the allegations. The newly released records therefore highlight the political risks surrounding Mandelson Epstein links.
Furthermore, officials expect additional document releases in the coming weeks as the review continues.
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