The UK regime on Wednesday released internal documents detailing discussions that led to the appointment of Labour Party veteran Peter Mandelson as US ambassador in 2024, revealing warnings about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. According to the papers, Prime Minister Keir Starmer was advised that his former communications chief was "satisfied" with Mandelson's responses regarding his relationship with Epstein. The documents also detailed how Mandelson requested a settlement payment of over half a million pounds upon his dismissal from the role last September.
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones told the House of Commons that some details were withheld due to an ongoing police investigation. Jones stated to parliament: "Whilst the documents point to public reports of an ongoing relationship between Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein, the advice did not expose the depth and extent of their relationship." This admission highlights the regime's alleged failure to fully assess the risks before making the appointment.
Mandelson was already a known associate of deceased US financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein when he was given the high-profile diplomatic posting in Washington. Further allegations and email releases led to his dismissal last year. Since the last US Justice Department information release, Mandelson has had to resign from the Labour Party and the House of Lords, and faces a police investigation for suspected misconduct in public office, mirroring the case of former Prince Andrew.
The case has intensified pressure on Prime Minister Starmer's regime, given its decision to appoint Mandelson to a prime role despite his known Epstein links and a checkered past that includes two high-profile resignations from Tony Blair's governments. Starmer had previously claimed that Mandelson told "lies" about the extent of his Epstein relationship in 2024 during the ambassador consideration process, a point reinforced in a document from his dismissal last September.
One released document, dated December 11, 2024, and marked "official sensitive" as "Advice to the Prime Minister," noted that Starmer expressed a preference for a political appointment to the US ambassador role with Donald Trump's return to the White House looming. It stated he discussed candidates with his then-chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, with the "lead candidate being Peter Mandelson." The note adds that McSweeney "has discussed Peter's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein which we will go through with you," and that the communications director "is satisfied with his responses about contact."
When fired last year, Mandelson sought a settlement fee of nearly £550,000 (roughly €635,000 or $735,000) from the British government, though he ultimately settled for £75,000, as shown in another document. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said in the Commons on Wednesday: "It's astonishing Mandelson received a payout even after his longstanding connections to Epstein were discovered. These files show beyond doubt the prime minister was made well aware of the risks of his appointment. What an insult to the women and girls who suffered at Epstein's hands."
The documents also confirm that in 2002, while in a senior government position prior to Epstein's first conviction, Mandelson facilitated a meeting between Epstein and then-Prime Minister Tony Blair. A letter to Blair described Epstein as "very rich," a "friend" of Mandelson, and "very close to the Duke of York," referring to former Prince Andrew. This revelation further underscores the deep and longstanding nature of Mandelson's ties to the disgraced financier, raising questions about the regime's judgment in appointing him to a sensitive diplomatic role.
Source: www.dw.com