Starmer to Release Mandelson-Epstein Documents as Police Launch Criminal Probe
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is poised to release explosive documents concerning his appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, following revelations about the former minister's dealings with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. This development comes as the Metropolitan Police announced a criminal investigation into Lord Mandelson on Tuesday, focusing on allegations of misconduct in a public office.
Police Investigation and Political Fallout
The criminal probe centres on files released by the US Department of Justice last Friday, which appear to show that Lord Mandelson leaked sensitive government information to Epstein while serving as business secretary under Gordon Brown's Labour administration during the 2008 financial crisis. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has expressed a profound sense of "deep betrayal" across both the government and the Labour Party in response to these revelations.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has demanded that Downing Street explain the vetting process behind Lord Mandelson's appointment, and intends to question Sir Keir on the matter during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday. The Conservative Party plans to table a humble address motion—an arcane parliamentary mechanism—to compel the government to produce relevant documents, including due diligence work by the Cabinet Office and emails between Lord Mandelson and the prime minister's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney.
Transparency and Government Response
In a bid for transparency, the government has agreed to release the requested information, barring any content that could prejudice UK national security or international relations. This move acknowledges the significant anger within Labour ranks over the Mandelson affair, which threatened to spark a revolt if MPs were whipped to oppose the document release. Lord Mandelson, a political appointee rather than a career diplomat, was dismissed from his ambassadorial role in September last year due to his connections with Epstein.
Mr Streeting emphasised Sir Keir's commitment to "maximum transparency," stating that the prime minister is drawing a clear line to protect national security and international relations while otherwise being fully open. The health secretary described Lord Mandelson's behaviour as "completely outrageous," adding that he personally feels "completely betrayed" by the actions of his former colleague.
Broader Implications and Related Allegations
The scandal has reignited scrutiny of high-profile associations with Epstein, with separate legal letters alleging that Prince Andrew and Epstein asked an exotic dancer for a threesome at Epstein's Florida home in early 2006. According to the documents, the pair allegedly offered to pay the woman and others "10,000 dollars each to perform," with lawyers claiming the party included women "as young as 14 years old" who were "dressed provocatively." Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
As Lord Mandelson steps down from the House of Lords on Wednesday, the political and legal ramifications of his actions continue to unfold, casting a shadow over government appointments and raising questions about accountability and vetting processes at the highest levels of power.
