A 'weirdly rushed' appointment - and other key takeaways from Mandelson files

"The documents show that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was advised that Lord Mandelson's relationship with Epstein posed a "general reputational risk" ahead of his confirmation as US ambassador. In an advisory note sent to the prime minister on 11 December 2024, nine days before he was confirmed as ambassador, other reputational risks flagged to the prime minister included Lord Mandelson's previous sackings from government."

"The prime minister has maintained he did not know "the extent and depth" of Lord Mandelson's relationship with Epstein when he appointed him. But given what this advisory note says, the prime minister is likely to face questions about his judgement."

"The documents suggest that Lord Mandelson requested a severance payment of more than 500,000 after being sacked as the UK's ambassador to the US. The claim has been repeated by Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the Prime Minister, in the House of Commons. Jones said the government found that demand to be "inappropriate and unacce""

Released government documents totaling 147 pages detail Lord Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the US and his subsequent dismissal. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer received an advisory note nine days before Mandelson's confirmation warning that his relationship with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein posed a reputational risk, alongside concerns about previous government sackings. Starmer has claimed he was unaware of the extent of this relationship. Following his removal after Epstein revelations emerged, Mandelson requested severance exceeding £500,000, which government officials deemed inappropriate. Mandelson faces criminal investigation for alleged misconduct in public office and maintains his innocence and cooperation with police.

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