Starmer overruled warning of ‘reputational risk’ over Mandelson appointment, files show

2026-03-11 - 20:03

Newly released documents also show Peter Mandelson was offered highly classified briefings before formal vetting was complete Keir Starmer overruled officials who warned of a “reputational risk” in making Peter Mandelson US ambassador, despite being handed a dossier of evidence about the peer’s relationship with the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, documents reveal. The disclosure in newly released files will raise fresh questions about Starmer’s judgment – as well as about the vetting procedures at the highest levels of government. Mandelson was offered a severance payment of £75,000 after initially asking the Foreign Office to pay him more than £500,000; Starmer was warned before appointing Mandelson that he remained in contact and stayed with Epstein after the financier was first convicted of procuring an underage girl in 2008; Powell told an investigation that he thought the appointment was “weirdly rushed”; Starmer was reassured about Mandelson’s friendship with Epstein by Matthew Doyle, his former communications chief and a friend of Mandelson. Doyle said he was “satisfied” with Mandelson’s explanation of the relationship. Continue reading...