Starmer to Face Questions on Mandelson After Files Revealed 'Risk' Warning
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will confront fresh scrutiny over his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, following the release of documents that show senior officials warned of a "general reputational risk" prior to the posting. The Prime Minister is scheduled to speak to journalists during a visit to Belfast on Thursday, marking his first public appearance since the files were published on Wednesday.
Documents Highlight Concerns Over Epstein Links
The released papers, part of a tranche demanded by MPs, include a due diligence document from the Cabinet Office in December 2024. This file detailed Lord Mandelson's connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, noting:
- In 2014, Lord Mandelson agreed to be a "founding citizen" of an ocean conservation group founded by Ghislaine Maxwell and funded by Epstein.
- After Epstein's initial conviction in 2008 for procuring an underage girl, their relationship continued from 2009 to 2011, during Lord Mandelson's tenure as business minister.
- Lord Mandelson reportedly stayed in Epstein's house in June 2009 while Epstein was in jail.
The document concluded with a stark warning about the potential fallout from these associations.
Political Fallout and Criticism
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch seized on the revelations, urging Labour MPs to consider whether Sir Keir is "fit to run our country", accusing him of dishonesty with Parliament and the public about his knowledge of the risks. Sir Keir has maintained that Lord Mandelson "lied repeatedly" to Downing Street about his relationship with Epstein, both before and during his ambassadorship.
Further complicating matters, the files revealed that national security adviser Jonathan Powell believed the appointment process was "weirdly rushed". Lord Mandelson was dismissed nine months later in September 2025, after additional details of his Epstein ties emerged, and he received a £75,000 taxpayer-funded payout upon his sacking.
Ongoing Investigations and Broader Implications
The 31 files released did not include correspondence between No 10 and Lord Mandelson, which remains part of an ongoing Metropolitan Police investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office. Lord Mandelson was arrested on February 23 on suspicion of passing sensitive information to Epstein during his time as business secretary under Gordon Brown's government. He has since been bailed and released from bail conditions but remains under investigation.
This episode has raised persistent questions about Sir Keir's judgment in opting for a political appointment over a career diplomat for the crucial Washington role. The Prime Minister's handling of the situation continues to draw criticism, with the released files amplifying concerns over transparency and decision-making in high-stakes government appointments.
