Why did Starmer take the risk of appointing Peter Mandelson?

"In autumn last year, when Downing Street were mulling over who to send to Washington, the Labour peer's friendship with the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein - and the fact that it carried on after the billionaire was convicted - was part of the PM's calculation. "The Epstein stuff in broad terms was definitely known and discussed in detail before his appointment", said one source. Another insider said that as part of the foreign office vetting process Lord Mandelson was "specifically asked about the association with Epstein" and he was "clear about it"."

"No 10 argued today that the "depth and extent" of that relationship was "materially different" from what was known last year. But back then, pictures of Epstein and Mandelson trying on belts in a clothes shop, and blowing out candles on a birthday cake were in the public domain. News reports showed contact between the pair even after Epstein's conviction for the sexual abuse of underage girls."

"The responses demonstrated the conflicted attitude many in Labour clearly felt towards a party grandee they saw as both a masterful political operator and a deeply flawed man. One party insider sighed and spoke of Lord Mandelson's fascination with power and money. A longtime friend of the peer told me: "Peter has weaknesses. He likes the high life. A lifestyle he can't afford.""

Keir Starmer appointed Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US despite known ties to Jeffrey Epstein and evidence of contact after Epstein's conviction. Foreign Office vetting explicitly questioned Mandelson about the association and he denied problematic implications. No 10 later maintained the depth and extent of the relationship differed materially from what emerged subsequently. Public images and reports showed social interactions between Epstein and Mandelson. Many within Labour felt conflicted about a senior figure who combined political skill with personal flaws and an appetite for wealth and status, yet advisers judged the appointment justified.

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