Released U.K. files reveal concerns on Mandelson's appointment as U.S. Ambassador

UK files reveal concerns over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US Ambassador, highlighting reputational risks linked to Jeffrey Epstein.

The British government published the first documents covering the appointment of ‌Peter Mandelson as Ambassador to Washington on Wednesday (March 11, 2026), reviving questions about Prime Minister Keir ​Starmer’s judgment in employing a man close to Jeffrey Epstein.

The publication of the first ⁠tranche of documents covering the vetting of Mr. Mandelson, under police investigation for allegedly leaking government documents to the late sex offender, does little to reduce the pressure on Mr. Starmer, who is under fire over the appointment and a ‌series of policy U-turns.

The more than 100 pages of documents suggested concerns were raised about the “reputational risks” in appointing Mr. Mandelson, particularly over his friendship with Epstein, but also ‌his previous resignations from government and his support for closer ties with China.

Mr. Starmer sacked Mr. Mandelson from ‌what ⁠is considered the most prestigious posting in Britain’s diplomatic service in September, when the ⁠depth of his friendship with the convicted sex offender started to become clear.

A document labelled “Advice to the prime minister, checks conducted on 4 December, 2024”, said: “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. Mandelson reportedly stayed in Epstein’s House while he was in jail in June 2009.”

In a summary of a fact-finding call between the Prime Minister’s general counsel and the national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, in September, a ‌document said that Mr. Powell found the appointment process “unusual” and “weirdly rushed”.