Chris Mason: Some nuggets but no huge revelations in first batch of Mandelson files

"The central political argument here, where the prime minister and Lord Mandelson are at odds, is whether the former ambassador lied to Downing Street about the nature and extent of his friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Yes he did, says Sir Keir. No I didn't, says the peer. But the 147 pages we have waded through do not verify either claim."

"It is these documents, ministers believe, that could verify their disputed claim that Lord Mandelson lied to them. But the police, we're told, reckon these papers could prejudice any legal proceedings that may follow the criminal investigation into Lord Mandelson and so they are not being published yet."

"Lord Mandelson has repeatedly let it be known that he believes he has not acted criminally, did not act for personal gain and is co-operating with the police. It is my understanding that Lord Mandelson remains of the view that he did not lie to the prime minister."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer appointed Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, but documents reveal a central dispute: whether Mandelson lied about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer claims he did; Mandelson denies it. The 147 released pages do not verify either claim. Critical correspondence between No. 10 and Mandelson remains unpublished due to an ongoing Metropolitan Police investigation, which officials believe could substantiate the government's allegations. Mandelson maintains he acted without criminal intent, did not benefit personally, and is cooperating with police. He asserts he did not lie and does not recall face-to-face questioning about Epstein during vetting interviews.

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