Keir Starmer has released the initial set of documents concerning the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to Washington. This action follows the government’s agreement with MPs’ requests to disclose numerous records related to Lord Mandelson’s 2024 appointment, prompted by concerns regarding his vetting process and connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
The unveiled batch of documents, made public shortly after Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, unveils startling details about the vetting procedures. Among the revelations is the fact that Peter Mandelson received a £75,000 severance payment upon his dismissal as Britain’s ambassador to Washington last year, despite requesting over half a million pounds.
In September, Keir Starmer terminated Mandelson from the position after revelations surfaced that he had advised Jeffrey Epstein through years of legal issues regarding underage sex charges. The Prime Minister later accused Lord Mandelson of consistently deceiving him about the nature of his association with Epstein.
The files confirm that the Foreign Office paid Mandelson £75,000 in total, comprising a £40,330 lack of notice period payment and a £34,670 termination payment. However, Mandelson sought a payout exceeding £500,000, equivalent to the full four-year salary he would have earned. The documents indicate negotiations initiated with Mandelson requesting the remaining salary costs, amounting to £547,201.
Lord Mandelson faced calls to donate his severance payment to charity amid the controversy. The Liberal Democrats urged the disgraced ambassador to contribute the entirety of his severance package to charitable causes.
In his farewell email to Foreign Office colleagues on September 11, 2025, Lord Mandelson expressed deep remorse over his past association with Epstein. Despite this remorse, emails from the previous year suggested ongoing contact between Mandelson and Epstein as late as 2016.
Concerns were raised by officials, including the UK’s national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, regarding Mandelson’s appointment. Powell expressed reservations about the rushed appointment process and raised concerns about Mandelson’s individual reputation to key figures such as the Prime Minister’s former chief-of-staff.
A due diligence review highlighted the reputational risks linked to appointing Mandelson as the US ambassador, particularly due to his connections with Epstein. The report detailed a close relationship between Mandelson, Prince Andrew, and Epstein, dating back to the early 2000s.
The review also pointed out other potential risks associated with Mandelson, such as his past controversies, including resignations, and his advocacy for UK-China relations. Additionally, concerns were raised about Mandelson’s ties to Nigel Farage and Global Counsel, a consultancy firm he founded.
Following his dismissal, Lord Mandelson inquired about measures to minimize media intrusion during his return to the UK. Foreign Office officials feared that Mandelson might make damaging claims against the government public if swift compensation agreements were not reached.
During a crucial meeting attended by notable Labour MPs and officials, Keir Starmer acknowledged the discomfort surrounding Mandelson’s ties to Epstein, leading to the decision to dismiss him as Ambassador to Washington.
The released documents include notes from a meeting where the Prime Minister expressed concerns over Mandelson’s revelations concerning his association with Epstein. Based on these revelations, Mandelson was asked to resign from his position as HMA Washington.
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