The Digester

Files warned Starmer of reputational risk in Mandelson appointment

Mar 20th 2026

Government papers released Wednesday show ministers warned in December 2024 that appointing Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US could pose a reputational risk because of his links to Jeffrey Epstein and past lobbying and financial ties.

  • Documents show officials warned Prime Minister Keir Starmer in December 2024 about reputational risks from Peter Mandelson’s ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein
  • The warning also flagged concerns about Mandelson’s past financial dealings, high-profile donors, and his role at lobbying firm Global Counsel
  • More than 100 pages of files were published after lawmakers forced disclosure of thousands of documents about the appointment
  • The government says the released files indicate Mandelson misled officials about the extent of his relationship with Epstein
  • Starmer faces political backlash over appointing Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the US at the start of President Trump’s second term

Articles