Keir Starmer overruled officials who warned of a 'reputational risk' in appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, despite being handed a dossier detailing the peer's continued relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, newly released documents reveal.
The files show that national security adviser Jonathan Powell and Foreign Office permanent secretary Philip Barton raised concerns about Mandelson's involvement in previous public scandals. Despite a document warning that Mandelson had maintained contact with Epstein after his 2008 conviction, close aides to the prime minister said they were 'satisfied' with Mandelson's explanations.
The documents also reveal that Mandelson was offered highly classified briefings before formal vetting was complete. An email from the Foreign Office on 23 December 2024 stated Mandelson would be briefed 'at higher tiers' from 6 January, yet his developed vetting clearance was not confirmed until 30 January 2025, and a higher-level Strap clearance was not initiated until 4 February.
Mandelson was offered a severance payment of £75,000 after initially requesting more than £500,000. The files also show that Starmer was reassured about Mandelson's friendship with Epstein by Matthew Doyle, his former communications chief, who said he was 'satisfied' with Mandelson's account.
Starmer has since said he believed Mandelson misled his team about the depth of his relationship with Epstein, including urging him to fight for early release while in prison. Mandelson is understood to deny this.
