What was the vetting process for Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador?

"Documents relating to Lord Mandelson's appointment as the UK's ambassador to the US are due to be released, following pressure from MPs. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has acknowledged the vetting process included discussion of Lord Mandelson's continued relationship with Jeffrey Epstein after he was convicted. However, he has accused Lord Mandelson of lying throughout the process and misrepresenting the extent of their relationship. The BBC understands Mandelson's view is that he answered questions about his relationship with Epstein in the vetting process accurately."

"The due diligence check was carried out by a team at the Cabinet Office on behalf of Downing Street, as the prime minister was responsible for the appointment. The point of this check is to identify reputational risks or potential conflicts of interests that may need to be considered during the hiring process. Sir Chris Wormald, the UK's top civil servant, has previously confirmed to MPs that this was largely based on public information, such as media reports."

"In 2023, the Financial Times reported emails suggesting he stayed at Epstein's Manhattan mansion in 2009, while the financier was in jail. The only non-public information that featured, Sir Chris added, were records of a meeting Lord Mandelson facilitated between Epstein and Sir Tony Blair that have since been disclosed by the National Archives. Lord Mandelson's file included information about his previous roles inside and outside government, and his "professional and financial relationships". His prior relationship with Epstein was listed as a reputational risk,"

Documents relating to Lord Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the US are due for release. Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged vetting included discussion of Mandelson's continued relationship with Jeffrey Epstein after Epstein's conviction, and accused Mandelson of lying and misrepresenting the relationship. Mandelson maintains he answered vetting questions accurately. The process had two stages: a Cabinet Office due diligence check, then security vetting. Due diligence largely relied on public information and media reports. Public records showed Mandelson maintained a relationship after Epstein's 2008 conviction; a 2023 Financial Times report suggested a 2009 stay at Epstein's Manhattan mansion. Non-public material included records of a meeting between Epstein and Tony Blair disclosed by the National Archives. Mandelson's file listed prior roles, professional and financial relationships, and cited the Epstein link as a reputational risk.

Read at www.bbc.com