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A senior government minister has stood by Sir Keir Starmer’s management of the appointment of Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the United States, despite acknowledging that the situation inflicted damage on the government. Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Cabinet Office minister, stated to the BBC that Sir Keir had “accepted making a mistake,” but emphasized that he responded by pursuing reforms aimed at changing “the very structures of power in our society.”
Recently released government documents revealed that Sir Keir had been warned about potential reputational risks associated with Lord Mandelson’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein prior to the peer’s confirmation as US ambassador. The documents highlighted a due diligence report from December 2024, which pointed out concerns stemming from Mandelson’s ongoing relationship with Epstein, even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for procuring an underage girl. Specifically, a 2019 investigation commissioned by JP Morgan indicated Mandelson maintained a “particularly close relationship” with Epstein, and it was noted that Mandelson reportedly stayed at Epstein’s residence while the financier was imprisoned in 2009.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Sir Keir’s handling of the matter, suggesting Labour MPs should question whether he is “fit to run our country,” following accusations that he was “dishonest” about the information he possessed. Sir Keir is scheduled to answer questions regarding Lord Mandelson during a visit to Belfast and has maintained that he was unaware of the full depth and extent of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein when the appointment was made in December 2024.
Lord Mandelson began his ambassadorial duties in February 2025 but was dismissed by Downing Street in September after new details emerged concerning the closeness of his ties to Epstein. The paperwork released also indicates that Mandelson received sensitive Foreign Office briefings even before completing the formal vetting process, which included a “developed vetting clearance” granted in late January 2025. However, he had yet to obtain a higher security clearance necessary for the role, known as Strap clearance, for which the Foreign Office requested a new application. Critics, including Conservative shadow chancellor Alex Burghart, condemned the premature access to sensitive information as “completely careless.” In response, the government announced a forthcoming review of the national security vetting procedures to ensure diplomatic appointments only proceed after full clearance is secured.
Lord Mandelson continues to deny any wrongdoing, asserting that he did not deceive the prime minister and that he truthfully answered written questions regarding his interactions with Epstein post-conviction. He claims he was unaware of the whole truth until after Epstein’s death in 2019 and has stressed that he has not acted criminally or for personal gain. After resigning from the Labour Party earlier this year, Mandelson was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to allegations that he passed sensitive government information to Epstein during his ministerial career. Although he remains under police investigation, his bail conditions were lifted recently. Throughout the process, Mandelson has maintained his cooperation with law enforcement authorities
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