The government released thousands of files on Monday relating to Lord Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador. The documents included email and WhatsApp exchanges between key figures leading up to the controversial appointment, during Mandelson's tenure, and after his exit. Here is a timeline of events.
November 18, 2024
Lord Mandelson writes to then-foreign secretary David Lammy, suggesting the government would 'never regret' appointing him as ambassador, in what appears to be a gentle lobbying effort.
December 20, 2024
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces he is 'delighted' to appoint Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US.
January 8, 2025
Senior civil servant Sir Olly Robbins is made permanent secretary at the Foreign Office.
January 28, 2025
UK Security Vetting reportedly makes a formal decision to deny Lord Mandelson security clearance.
January 29, 2025
Foreign Office civil servants grant developed vetting clearance despite the UKSV recommendation, enabling Mandelson to access secret information.
February 2025
Lord Mandelson takes up the appointment and attends a White House welcome reception.
July 2025
Texts reveal Mandelson called a 'long, hysterical message' from Wes Streeting about Israel 'reflects pretty badly on his maturity'. He separately told senior minister Pat McFadden he 'pushed back' against Streeting's stance.
September 8, 2025
Jeffrey Epstein's 'birthday book' is released, including a message from Mandelson referring to the child sex offender as his 'best pal'. Other WhatsApp messages showed Mandelson criticised the Department for Business and Trade for being 'irresponsible' over leaks.
September 10, 2025
Starmer says he has 'confidence' in Mandelson and that 'due process was followed' amid questions over Epstein links.
September 11, 2025
Starmer sacks Mandelson after leaked emails showed supportive messages to Epstein even as he faced jail. The Foreign Office said the emails showed 'the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment'.
September 16, 2025
Sir Olly and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper say in a joint letter that Mandelson's security vetting was conducted to the usual standard.
November 3, 2025
Sir Olly and former cabinet secretary Sir Chris Wormald appear before MPs. Sir Olly says 'it was clear that the Prime Minister wanted to make this appointment himself'.
February 2, 2026
Starmer urges Mandelson to quit the Lords after further Epstein files lead to accusations that Mandelson passed sensitive information to Epstein while business secretary.
February 3, 2026
The Metropolitan Police launch an investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office against Mandelson.
February 4, 2026
Starmer tells the Commons Mandelson 'lied repeatedly' about the depth of his friendship with Epstein. The Commons uses a 'humble address' motion to compel release of all files relating to Mandelson's appointment.
February 5, 2026
Starmer tells reporters that security vetting 'gave him clearance for the role'.
February 8, 2026
Starmer's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney leaves No 10, saying the vetting process 'must now be fundamentally overhauled'.
March 11, 2026
First tranche of documents released reveal senior officials had concerns about the appointment and that Starmer was warned of a 'general reputational risk' over Mandelson's Epstein link.
April 16, 2026
The Guardian reports Mandelson failed the background check but Foreign Office officials overruled the decision. Sir Olly is sacked.
April 17, 2026
Starmer says he is 'furious' and it was 'unforgivable' he was not told about the UKSV advice.
April 20, 2026
Starmer tells the Commons a 'deliberate decision' was made not to tell him Mandelson failed vetting, blaming Foreign Office officials. He says he would not have proceeded if he had known.
April 21, 2026
Sir Olly tells the Foreign Affairs Committee there was a 'dismissive attitude' to vetting by No 10. Starmer says the evidence 'puts to bed' allegations he misled Parliament.
April 28, 2026
Morgan McSweeney admits he was 'wrong' to advise the appointment. Sir Philip Barton tells the committee Mandelson's relationship with 'toxic, hot potato' Jeffrey Epstein was a known risk. MPs vote against a parliamentary inquiry.
June 1, 2026
The second tranche of files is published, revealing private discussions between Mandelson and ministers, correspondence about business deals, and his campaigning for Oxford University chancellorship. In one exchange, Pat McFadden criticises the government's direction. It is also revealed Mandelson refused to hand over private WhatsApp messages.
