Downing Street is set to release hundreds of documents on Wednesday relating to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US, with the first tranche expected to include a Cabinet Office report warning of ‘reputational risk’ over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The two-page due diligence report, prepared in December 2024, reportedly cautioned Prime Minister Keir Starmer about the serious reputational risk of proceeding with Mandelson’s appointment given his association with Epstein. Sources said the document could prove ‘very difficult’ for Starmer, whose response—asking then-chief of staff Morgan McSweeney to seek an explanation from Mandelson—has been described as ‘completely inadequate’.
The release follows an order from MPs last month to disclose thousands of documents relating to Mandelson’s vetting. The files are expected to include correspondence between the Cabinet Office, Downing Street, and the Foreign Office, as well as newspaper reports detailing the extent of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein.
Mandelson, 72, was sacked from his Washington role last September and resigned from the Labour Party and the House of Lords in February after Epstein files were released in the US. He was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in a public office for allegedly leaking confidential information to Epstein while serving as business secretary under Gordon Brown, but was later released from bail conditions, though he remains under investigation. Mandelson denies any wrongdoing and has apologised to Epstein’s victims for remaining friends with him.
A former special advisor to Gordon Brown, whose correspondence was forwarded to Epstein by Mandelson, expressed regret at the lack of contrition from the former minister. The government has agreed a framework with the Metropolitan Police to ensure the release does not prejudice the ongoing investigation.
