"Sir Philip Barton stated that he first learned of the decision to appoint Lord Mandelson on 15 December 2024, just five days before the public announcement. He expressed that it was reasonable for him to be involved in the decision-making process for such a major diplomatic post."
"Barton noted that there was 'no space or avenue or mechanism' for him to express any concerns regarding Mandelson's appointment. He acknowledged feeling 'a bit conflicted' about the political nature of the appointment versus his role as a civil servant."
"When asked if he would have expressed worries about Mandelson's appointment, Barton admitted he was concerned that Mandelson's links to Epstein 'could become a problem' and recognized Epstein as a 'toxic hot potato subject' in the US."
The Foreign Affairs Committee is examining the vetting of Lord Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US. Prime Minister sacked him in September 2025 due to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein. Sir Philip Barton, a senior civil servant, revealed he was informed of Mandelson's appointment just five days before the public announcement. He expressed that he should have been consulted, noting the political nature of the appointment. Barton identified concerns about Mandelson's links to Epstein, labeling it a 'toxic hot potato' in the US context.
Read at www.bbc.com
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