The UK government has released documents related to the appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US, according to reports from the BBC.
Sir Keir Starmer was warned that Lord Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein posed a 'reputational risk' before he was confirmed as ambassador. The documents, which run to 147 pages, include advice sent to the prime minister highlighting the pair's relationship continued after Epstein's conviction in 2008.
The PM's chief secretary, Darren Jones, said the due diligence process 'fell short' and the government had already taken steps to address 'weaknesses in the system'. Lord Mandelson was sacked as ambassador last September following new revelations about the extent of his friendship with Epstein.
Background on Lord Mandelson's Appointment
When Lord Mandelson was appointed, supporters argued his contacts across business and politics would help him develop a strong relationship with the incoming Trump administration. However, a due diligence document sent to the PM on 11 December 2024 raised concerns about his relationship with Epstein.
The document noted that Lord Mandelson reportedly stayed in Epstein's house while the financier was in jail in June 2009. The prime minister has maintained he did not know the extent and depth of the pair's relationship when Mandelson was appointed.
Severance Payment and Investigation
The Treasury ultimately agreed to a payment of £75,000 to Lord Mandelson after he was sacked. The files suggest Mandelson explored the possibility of a severance payment of more than £500,000, although he claims he was quick to agree to the sum he was eventually paid.
The Metropolitan Police has asked for some documents to be held back to avoid prejudicing the ongoing criminal investigation into Lord Mandelson. The government has promised to publish all papers related to his appointment, as well as communications between the peer and the prime minister's chief of staff.
Reaction from Politicians
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Sir Keir should consider his position as PM in light of the documents, which she claimed exposed that he 'has not been honest with the country' about the extent of what he knew about the relationship between Lord Mandelson and Epstein.
The Liberal Democrats called for Lord Mandelson to donate any payment to charity. The government was forced to release the documents after MPs voted for them to be published through a parliamentary procedure known as a humble address triggered by the Conservatives.
