The government in London has released the first set of documents showing that Keir Starmer was warned about the “reputational risks” of appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington because of his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Officials released more than 100 pages of documents. However, some files remain withheld because of an ongoing police investigation. The documents have revived criticism of Starmer’s judgment and increased political pressure on his government.
Senior officials reportedly raised several concerns during the vetting process. They warned about Mandelson’s friendship with Epstein, his past resignations from government posts, and his support for closer ties with China.
Starmer later removed Mandelson from the ambassador role in September after more details about his relationship with Epstein became public.
One key memo titled “Advice to the Prime Minister” described checks carried out on December 4, 2024. The memo noted that Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein continued even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for procuring an underage girl. According to the document, their contact continued between 2009 and 2011 while Mandelson served as business minister and after the Labour government left power.
The memo also said Mandelson reportedly stayed at Epstein’s home while Epstein was in jail in June 2009.
Documents also show concerns about how quickly the appointment moved forward. Jonathan Powell reportedly called the selection process “unusual” and “weirdly rushed.” He raised concerns about Mandelson’s reputation with Morgan McSweeney, who was the prime minister’s chief of staff at the time.
The documents also say Philip Barton, then the top official at the foreign ministry, had reservations about the appointment.
Starmer’s allies say the current release is only the first part of the records. They argue that some important exchanges cannot be published yet because of the ongoing police probe.
More documents are expected later. Officials say these may show that Mandelson did not fully reveal the extent of his relationship with Epstein before his appointment in December 2024.
Darren Jones told lawmakers that direct correspondence between the prime minister’s office and Mandelson is not included in the first batch due to the investigation.
The controversy has already led to major consequences. Mandelson resigned from the House of Lords in February after his Epstein links came under renewed scrutiny. Last month, police arrested him on suspicion of misconduct in public office before releasing him on bail.
Starmer has since expressed regret about appointing Mandelson. He said the Labour veteran created a “litany of deceit” about his relationship with Epstein. However, opposition politicians continue to demand that the prime minister step down.
Jones defended the government’s earlier assessment in parliament. He said the advice only pointed to public reports of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein and did not reveal how deep or extensive the connection actually was.
