UK documents reveal Epstein ties caused concern over Mandelson appointment

Documents released by the British government show officials believed there was a “reputational risk” in appointing Peter Mandelson as the U.S. ambassador because of his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The concerns were raised in a document sent to Prime Minister Keir Starmer in December 2024, before he appointed Mandelson to the role. The document also spelled out other, unrelated reputational issues related to Mandelson’s work in a previous Labour government, including financial matters involving high-profile donors.