More than 1,500 pages of documents regarding Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington were released by the government on Monday. Despite claims of unprecedented transparency, several significant documents remain withheld.
Among the missing papers are a vetting summary and a declaration of interest. The government has withheld these at the request of the Metropolitan Police, citing potential prejudice to an ongoing investigation.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones stated that the documents will be published in a third tranche once the investigation concludes or when they are no longer deemed prejudicial.
Following hours of testimony from senior officials involved in Mandelson’s appointment, a clearer picture of the withheld documents has emerged. The five key missing documents include the vetting summary, the declaration of interest, and three other unspecified papers.
