UK releases files on appointment of Epstein associate Mandelson as ambassador

The British government on Wednesday released a batch of documents related to the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States, as police investigate potential misconduct linked to the former diplomat’s ties with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The 147-page document set was published on the government’s website after lawmakers compelled Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration to disclose thousands of files concerning Mandelson’s selection for the key Washington posting at the start of Donald Trump’s second term as US president, despite Mandelson’s past friendship with the convicted sex offender.

Officials have said the documents could show Mandelson misled authorities about the extent of his relationship with Epstein. The release has intensified political pressure on Starmer, who is facing criticism over his decision to appoint Mandelson to the diplomatic role.

Mandelson, 72, a former cabinet minister and senior figure in the governing Labour Party, was arrested at his London home on February 23 on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has since been released without bail conditions while the investigation continues. He has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged, and he does not face allegations of sexual misconduct.

Cabinet minister Darren Jones said the “first tranche of documents” would be published Wednesday afternoon. The files are being released in stages after review by Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee. Police requested that certain material not be disclosed if it could compromise the ongoing criminal investigation.

Starmer dismissed Mandelson in September after an earlier release of documents suggested he maintained contact with Epstein even after the financier’s 2008 conviction for sexual offences involving a minor.

Additional details about Mandelson’s links to Epstein emerged in a large cache of records released by the United States Department of Justice in January, prompting political opponents and some Labour lawmakers to demand Starmer’s resignation. Although the prime minister has not been implicated in Epstein’s crimes and has said he never met him, the controversy has continued to weigh on his government.

Starmer has apologised to Epstein’s victims and said he regretted “having believed Mandelson’s lies.”

Documents in the Epstein files indicate Mandelson may have shared market-sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UK’s business secretary following the 2008 financial crisis. The material reportedly included an internal government report on ways Britain could raise funds, including through the sale of state assets. Mandelson also appeared to tell Epstein he would lobby colleagues to reduce a tax on bankers’ bonuses.

Separately, Mandelson is under scrutiny from the European Union’s anti-fraud office over matters related to his tenure as the bloc’s trade representative.