First tranche expected to include Cabinet Office report warning of ‘reputational risk’ over ex-minister’s links to Epstein
Hundreds of documents relating to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US are expected to be released by Downing Street on Wednesday.
The first tranche of files will include a two-page due diligence report by the Cabinet Office, which is likely to raise questions about Keir Starmer’s judgment, the Guardian understands.
Sources said it had warned Starmer of the serious “reputational risk” of going ahead with Mandelson’s appointment in December 2024 given his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Officials said the document could prove “very difficult” for the prime minister and warned that his response at the time – reportedly asking former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, a friend of Mandelson, to seek and explanation from him about its contents – could be seen as “completely inadequate”.
