The UK government has released documents related to the appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US, following a parliamentary procedure.
According to the documents, Sir Keir Starmer was warned about the potential reputational risk of Lord Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein before his appointment, the BBC reports.
The due diligence process was criticized by the PM's chief secretary, Darren Jones, who said it "fell short" and that the government had taken steps to address weaknesses in the system.
Background on Lord Mandelson's Appointment
Lord Mandelson was appointed as the UK's ambassador to the US in December 2024, but was sacked in September 2025 following new revelations about his friendship with Epstein.
A document sent to the PM on 11 December 2024 raised concerns about Lord Mandelson's relationship with Epstein, including a 2019 report that found Epstein appeared to "maintain a particularly close relationship" with Lord Mandelson.
Severance Payment Controversy
The documents also reveal that Lord Mandelson explored the possibility of a severance payment of over £500,000 after he was sacked, although he claims he quickly agreed to a payment of £75,000.
Jones told MPs that Lord Mandelson's position on severance pay was "inappropriate and unacceptable", and that the government would not have wanted to pay him any amount but agreed to a settlement to avoid higher costs.
Investigation and Reaction
The Metropolitan Police has asked for some documents to be held back to avoid prejudicing their ongoing investigation into Lord Mandelson.
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 government has promised to publish all papers related to Lord Mandelson's appointment, as well as communications between the peer and the prime minister's chief of staff, special advisers or ministers.
