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Before being confirmed as the UK’s ambassador to the United States, Lord Mandelson’s connection with Jeffrey Epstein was flagged as a potential “reputational risk” to Sir Keir Starmer. Government-released documents reveal that advice sent to the prime minister noted the relationship between Mandelson and Epstein persisted even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for procuring an underage girl. These records, part of a 147-page batch regarding Mandelson’s appointment, highlight serious concerns raised during the vetting process.
The prime minister’s chief secretary, Darren Jones, acknowledged shortcomings in the due diligence carried out, describing the process as having “fell short.” He confirmed that steps were being taken to strengthen the government’s vetting systems. The files also showed Mandelson’s exploration of a severance payment exceeding £500,000 following his dismissal, although he disputes this figure. Ultimately, a payout of £75,000 was agreed upon, which Mandelson claims he accepted readily, emphasizing that he never intended to pursue an employment tribunal.
Lord Mandelson was dismissed from his ambassadorial role last September after revelations about the extent of his friendship with Epstein came to light. Although supporters initially believed Mandelson’s political and business acumen would benefit UK-US relations, a due diligence report dated 11 December 2024 — just days before his confirmation — raised concerns about Mandelson’s ongoing ties to Epstein. The document detailed that Mandelson reportedly stayed at Epstein’s residence while Epstein was in jail in 2009 and referenced a 2019 JP Morgan report describing Epstein’s close connection with the peer.
The controversy surrounding Mandelson’s appointment extended beyond his relationship with Epstein. Documents showed that Lord Mandelson’s previous resignations from government were also scrutinized due to their involvement with financial matters. Additionally, the prime minister’s national security advisor, Jonathan Powell, described the appointment process as “weirdly rushed,” and on the day following Mandelson’s sacking, Powell expressed worries about his reputation to Sir Keir’s former chief of staff. Concerns were also reportedly held by the most senior civil servant at the Foreign Office at the time, Philip Barton.
Following these events, the prime minister maintained that he was unaware of the full extent of Mandelson’s ties to Epstein when appointing him, and accused Mandelson of repeatedly lying about their relationship. Lord Mandelson, however, insists he did not lie, maintains that he responded honestly to written vetting questions, and denies remembering being asked about Epstein in face-to-face interviews. The peer was ultimately removed after emails surfaced showing supportive messages Mandelson sent to Epstein during Epstein’s 2008 sex offence charges. Mandelson has stated he believed Epstein’s version of events until the financier’s death in 2019.
In the wake of the scandal, Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party in February and was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, linked to allegations that he passed sensitive government information to Epstein during his ministerial tenure. Although he remains under police investigation, his bail conditions were lifted recently. He continues to assert that he acted lawfully, did not seek personal gain, and is cooperating fully with authorities
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