Keir Starmer 'Knew' About Mandelson's Ongoing Epstein Relationship — Files Reveal Ignored Warnings

Newly released government documents show that Keir Starmer was warned about the reputational risks of appointing Peter Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to Washington due to his past relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The 147-page dossier, published following a parliamentary order on 11 March, reveals that internal due diligence reports flagged Mandelson's 'particularly close relationship' with Epstein, including contact that continued after Epstein's 2008 conviction.

Despite those warnings, Starmer approved the appointment in December 2024. Mandelson was later dismissed from the diplomatic role in 2025 after further disclosures about the relationship surfaced.

What the Mandelson Files Reveal

The newly released documents include a Cabinet Office report dated December 11, 2024, just days before Mandelson's confirmation as ambassador.

According to the report, officials warned of 'general reputational risk' stemming from Mandelson's ties to Epstein. The briefing also noted several details already known within government circles, including that Mandelson had visited Epstein's properties and maintained contact after Epstein's conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

The files also reference a 2019 banking report examining the connection and Mandelson's earlier role introducing Epstein to then-prime minister Tony Blair in the early 2000s.

Officials also flagged additional concerns around Mandelson's business interests and previous political controversies, though the Epstein relationship appears to have been the most sensitive issue raised in the briefing.

Why Starmer Proceeded With the Appointment

Despite the warnings, Starmer moved forward with Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the United States on 20 December, 2024.

Internal communications show senior advisers — including Starmer's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney — reviewed Mandelson's explanations regarding the Epstein connection and accepted them.

According to the documents, Mandelson described Epstein as someone he had limited contact with and said the relationship had effectively ended years earlier. Some officials reportedly viewed Mandelson as a politically useful choice for the Washington role because of his extensive international network and experience working with US political figures.

Starmer has since said the vetting process did not reveal the 'depth and extent' of the relationship and that he relied on Mandelson's assurances at the time.

Police Investigation Adds to Political Pressure

The controversy escalated further in early 2026 when British authorities opened a criminal investigation into Mandelson's conduct while he served in government.

Police are examining allegations that Mandelson may have shared confidential government information with Epstein during his time as business secretary under Gordon Brown.

Mandelson was arrested in February and later released on bail while the investigation continues. He has denied wrongdoing, saying he answered all vetting questions 'truthfully and fully' and regrets ever having been introduced to Epstein.

Ambassador Role Collapsed After Epstein Disclosures

Mandelson's tenure in Washington lasted less than a year.

In September 2025, newly released documents connected to Epstein's estate revealed additional communications between the two men, including supportive emails Mandelson sent after Epstein's criminal conviction.

Soon afterwards, Starmer removed Mandelson from the ambassadorial role, saying he had been misled about the scale of the relationship.

Mandelson later sought a large compensation payout linked to the remainder of his diplomatic contract but ultimately accepted a £75,000 severance settlement. The payment has drawn criticism from opposition parties.

According to reports, the documents released this week are only the first portion of a much larger archive ordered by Parliament. Officials say additional records related to Mandelson's appointment could be released later, depending on reviews by investigators and security officials.