Cabinet Minister Urges Mandelson to Return £55,000 US Ambassador Payout
A cabinet minister has publicly called for Peter Mandelson to return a substantial payout he received upon resigning as the UK's ambassador to the United States, as political pressure intensifies on Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the appointment. Pat McFadden, the Welfare Secretary, stated on Sunday that the Labour peer should either refund the Foreign Office payment, reported to be as high as £55,000, or donate it to charity.
Foreign Office Review and Legal Scrutiny
The Foreign Office is currently reviewing the payment, which was made when Mandelson stepped down in September last year. Officials initially believed they had no legal alternative but to issue the payout, equivalent to three months' salary, in accordance with his employment terms and conditions. However, the department has now initiated a reassessment amid growing controversy.
Epstein Connection and Resignation Fallout
Mandelson's resignation followed revelations about his relationship with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Recently published documents have indicated that their association was closer than previously understood, prompting Mandelson to announce his departure from the House of Lords. McFadden, who worked closely with Mandelson in the last Labour government, expressed dismay over emails suggesting Mandelson shared sensitive government information with Epstein.
Political Pressure on Starmer and Internal Criticism
The situation has escalated pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with calls for his resignation from some quarters. Steve Wright, head of the Fire Brigades' Union, became the first leader of a Labour-affiliated union to demand Starmer's departure, citing a lack of meaningful change. Meanwhile, Labour MPs are urging Starmer to dismiss his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who advocated for Mandelson's ambassadorial appointment.
McFadden's Stance and Broader Implications
Despite the turmoil, McFadden defended Starmer's position, arguing that frequent leadership changes harm the country's economic stability and international reputation. He emphasized that while he had sought political advice from Mandelson in the past, the recent disclosures revealed an unknown aspect of his character. The ongoing review by the Foreign Office underscores the legal and ethical questions surrounding the payout, as the Labour Party grapples with internal dissent and public scrutiny.
