Keir Starmer was advised in December 2024 that Peter Mandelson posed a “general reputational risk”, the first tranche of Mandelson files released today show
Mandelson also asked for £500,000 payout after being sacked as US ambassador, files reveal. However Darren Jones has told MPs that the government paid Peter Mandelson a £75,000 severance payment to avoid an employment tribunal and costs to the taxpayer
The files also show that Peter Mandelson asked for “maximum dignity” and “minimum media intrusion” on returning to the UK from the US
“I remain a crown/civil servant and expect to be treated as such. How is the FCDO assisting in this?”
Meanwhile a 2019 JPMorgan report said Epstein appeared to “maintain a particularly close relationship with … Lord Peter Mandelson”.
Epstein’s personal records showed contact beginning in 2002 and continuing throughout the 2000s.
The relationship continued after Epstein’s 2008 conviction, “across 2009–2011”, including while Mandelson was a minister and after he left government. It notes reporting that Mandelson stayed at Epstein’s house while Epstein was in jail
It also notes Mandelson agreed in 2014 to be a “founding citizen” of an ocean conservation group founded by Ghislaine Maxwell and funded by Epstein
The appointment of Peter Mandelson was “weirdly rushed” Sir Keir Starmer’s National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell said in a meeting the day after Mandelson quit as Ambassador.
Last month it was reported that David Lammy warned Keir Starmer “against appointing Lord Mandelson as the ambassador to the US”.
Emails released by the Cabinet Office now show Lammy “agree[d] with the recommendation” to appoint Mandelson in December 2024.
