UK Releases Documents on Fired Ambassador’s Ties to Jeffrey Epstein

The British government has released documents showing officials warned of reputational risks when Peter Mandelson was appointed as US ambassador due to his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The papers reveal Mandelson continued his relationship with Epstein even after Epstein's 2008 conviction, leading to concerns from government officials.

LONDON – The United Kingdom’s government made public Wednesday its initial batch of records concerning Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador, revealing what officials knew about his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Additional documents are anticipated in upcoming weeks, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration seeks to avoid interfering with an active police inquiry.

The released papers show several significant revelations from the appointment process.

RISK ASSESSMENT WARNINGS

A document marked “Advice to the prime minister” contained a background check that identified Mandelson’s connection to Epstein as presenting a “reputational risk.”

The record, based on investigations completed December 4, 2024, stated: “After Epstein was first convicted of procuring an underage girl in 2008, their relationship continued across 2009-2011, beginning when Lord Mandelson was Business Minister and continuing after the end of the Labour government.”

The assessment also noted: “Mandelson reportedly stayed in Epstein’s house while he was in jail in June 2009.”

Along with the background check, another briefing document indicated that Starmer’s former Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney had conversations about Mandelson’s Epstein relationship, but Director of Communications Matthew Doyle was satisfied with how Mandelson answered inquiries about the contact.

Additional communications and follow-up inquiries to Mandelson regarding this relationship were not included in Wednesday’s document release.

STAFF WARNINGS

Government staff warned Starmer he would face greater scrutiny if problems arose from choosing a political appointee like Mandelson.

“If anything goes wrong, you could be more exposed as the individual is more connected to you personally,” officials cautioned before the appointment was made.

After allegations surfaced about Mandelson’s Epstein connections, which resulted in his termination last September, Downing Street launched a “fact-finding” investigation to determine what occurred during his selection process.

A summary of a fact-finding conversation between Starmer’s general counsel and National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell in September revealed that Powell characterized the appointment process as “unusual” and “weirdly rushed.”

Powell expressed concerns about Mandelson’s “reputation” during discussions with McSweeney.

The notes also show that Philip Barton, who was the top government official at the Foreign Office at the time, “also had reservations around the appointment.”

TERMINATION PAYMENT

Released records detail negotiations over Mandelson’s termination compensation following his dismissal. Officials reported these discussions started when Mandelson requested payment for the remaining “4-year salary costs of the fixed term appointment,” totaling 547,201 pounds ($733,523).

The government ultimately authorized 34,670 pounds in discretionary payments along with 40,330 pounds he was legally owed, for a combined total of 75,000 pounds.