Newly released government documents show that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was informed of former Labour peer Lord Peter Mandelson’s close relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein before Mandelson’s controversial diplomatic appointment in December 2024.
Due Diligence Raised Serious Concerns About Mandelson
The 147-page “Mandelson files” include a two-page due diligence report from the Cabinet Office highlighting “general reputational risk” due to Mandelson’s ties to Epstein. The report states that Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein was “particularly close” and extended beyond Epstein’s first conviction in 2008 for procuring an underage girl. It also notes Mandelson reportedly stayed at Epstein’s residence in June 2009 while Epstein was incarcerated.
The report warned that a political appointment such as Mandelson’s posed greater risk, as the appointee’s connections could reflect directly on the Prime Minister. Despite these warnings, Mandelson received a £75,000 payoff after being sacked, far less than the nearly £550,000 he initially requested.
Senior Advisers Expressed Reservations About Mandelson
Jonathan Powell, the Prime Minister’s National Security Adviser, described Mandelson’s appointment as “weirdly rushed” and said he was “particularly cautious” about it. Minutes from a September 2025 call indicate Powell raised concerns about Mandelson’s reputation with the Prime Minister’s then-Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney, who responded that the issues had been addressed. Sir Philip Barton, then the Foreign Office’s top civil servant, also reportedly had reservations.
The government has withheld some documents from the Metropolitan Police investigating Mandelson on suspicion of misconduct in public office, related to allegations he shared confidential information with Epstein during his time in Gordon Brown’s cabinet. Mandelson has denied these charges.
Government Faces Growing Political Pressure
Shadow Chancellor Alex Burghardt challenged the Prime Minister’s claim that he was misled, highlighting Mandelson’s history of being dismissed twice before and questioning Starmer’s judgment in pressing ahead with the appointment. The opposition argues that Starmer, a former chief prosecutor, should have recognized the risks.
The government has signaled plans to release additional documents, potentially thousands more, including communications involving Mandelson and senior officials before and during his ambassadorship. These forthcoming releases could deepen scrutiny over Mandelson’s role and the government’s vetting process, further complicating Starmer’s position amid mounting political fallout.
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