Starmer warned about Mandelson's ties to Epstein

Newly released government documents show that Prime Minister Keir Starmer was warned about the reputational risks linked to Peter Mandelson’s past before appointing him as ambassador to the United States, The Telegraph reports.

According to a December 2024 vetting file, Mandelson had a ‘particularly close relationship’ with the American financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sex offences involving minors. The document explicitly warned that these ties could pose a significant reputational risk to the government.

Despite the warnings, Starmer proceeded with the appointment.

After the files became public, government officials defended the decision, arguing that the document did not sufficiently emphasise the extent of Mandelson’s contacts with Epstein. The records also reveal concerns among some senior officials, who criticised the unusually rapid appointment process.

Mandelson was eventually dismissed from his post in September 2025 after leaked emails revealed the extent of his relationship with Epstein. Last month, he was also arrested on suspicion of abuse of public office. Mandelson denies that he profited from his contacts.

(pir)