Downing Street is set to release hundreds of documents on Wednesday concerning Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US. The first batch includes a Cabinet Office due diligence report that warned of a serious 'reputational risk' due to Mandelson’s links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The report, prepared in December 2024, raised concerns about then Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s judgment. Sources said Starmer’s response—asking his former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney to seek an explanation from Mandelson—could be viewed as 'completely inadequate'. The documents are the first of tens of thousands to be released.
Among the files are newspaper reports detailing the extent of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein. Mandelson, 72, resigned from the Labour Party and the House of Lords in February after Epstein files were released in the US. He was sacked from the Washington role last September.
Former special advisor to Gordon Brown, Nick Butler, expressed regret that Mandelson has shown no contrition. Butler’s correspondence was among those forwarded to Epstein by Mandelson. He told the BBC that the affair raises questions about how information is handled.
Last month, MPs ordered the release of thousands of appointment documents. Mandelson was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office but released on bail, though still under investigation. He denies wrongdoing and has apologised to Epstein’s victims. The government has agreed a framework with the Metropolitan Police to avoid prejudicing the investigation.
