Epstein Ties Undermined Mandelson Appointment as U.S. Ambassador, Files Reveal
TL;DR
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was warned in 2024 that appointing Peter Mandelson—linked to Jeffrey Epstein—as ambassador to the United States posed a general reputational risk, with vetting documents noting a long, close relationship and even Mandelson staying at Epstein’s home. The affair deepened after Mandelson was fired in 2025 amid the controversy, as U.S. and U.K. investigations continued and authorities redacted documents pending legal or security concerns. Starmer apologized for the decision and called for ethics reforms as more files are released.
- Mandelson Files Live Updates: Starmer Was Warned of Risks in Naming Epstein’s Friend As Ambassador The New York Times
- British PM was warned of ‘reputational risk’ over Mandelson’s ties to Epstein, files show CNN
- British prime minister was warned of 'reputational risk' in appointing Mandelson, files show PBS
- Mandelson demanded £547,000 after he was fired as ambassador to US Financial Times
- Mandelson was offered highly classified briefing before he finished vetting process The Guardian
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