Britain to Release Files on Epstein-Linked Ambassador Pick

The British government will release documents Wednesday regarding Peter Mandelson's controversial appointment as U.S. ambassador despite his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson was arrested in February on misconduct charges and later fired by the Prime Minister.

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s government announced Wednesday it will release documentation concerning the selection of Peter Mandelson for the U.S. ambassadorship, amid an ongoing police probe into possible wrongdoing connected to his relationship with deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Parliamentary pressure has compelled Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration to make public thousands of records regarding the choice to appoint Mandelson to this crucial diplomatic role as Donald Trump begins his second presidential term, notwithstanding Mandelson’s previous association with the disgraced financier.

Officials indicate the released materials will demonstrate that Mandelson provided misleading information about how close his relationship with Epstein actually was.

The 72-year-old Mandelson, a veteran Cabinet official, former diplomat and prominent Labour Party figure, was taken into custody at his London residence on February 23 on charges of suspected public office misconduct. He remains free while the police continue their inquiry, with no bail restrictions imposed.

Mandelson has consistently maintained his innocence and faces no formal charges. No allegations of sexual impropriety have been made against him.

According to Cabinet minister Darren Jones, the “first tranche of documents” will become available Wednesday afternoon.

The materials are being made public in stages following examination by Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee. Law enforcement has requested that certain files remain sealed to protect their ongoing criminal probe of Mandelson.

Starmer dismissed Mandelson from his position in September following initial disclosures about his Epstein connections, yet continues to face political backlash for originally selecting him for the Washington assignment.

Records from an extensive collection of Epstein-related files released by the U.S. Department of Justice in late January indicated that Mandelson shared confidential market information with the convicted criminal during his tenure as the U.K.’s business secretary following the 2008 economic downturn.

This information included a classified government analysis exploring methods for Britain to generate revenue, such as divesting government properties. Evidence also suggests Mandelson promised to influence fellow government officials to lower taxes on banking executive bonuses.