Former Foreign Office chief Philip Barton has expressed concern over Peter Mandelson's links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, describing them as a 'potentially difficult' issue. Giving evidence to the Commons foreign affairs committee, Barton, who served as permanent secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), revealed that he was not consulted about Mandelson's appointment until after the decision had been made.
Barton's Testimony
Barton told MPs that he had been unaware of the extent of Mandelson's connections to Epstein at the time of the appointment. He stated that had he been informed earlier, he would have raised concerns about the potential reputational risks to the UK government. The former diplomat emphasized that the lack of consultation was a significant oversight, given the sensitive nature of the role Mandelson was to undertake.
Mandelson's Role and Epstein Links
Peter Mandelson, a senior Labour figure and former EU trade commissioner, was appointed as the UK's ambassador to the United States in 2024. However, his past association with Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, has sparked controversy. Mandelson has previously acknowledged meeting Epstein on several occasions but denied any close relationship.
Political Fallout
The revelations have added to the pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who approved Mandelson's appointment. Opposition leaders have called for a full inquiry into the vetting process, questioning whether proper procedures were followed. The Foreign Affairs Committee is expected to continue its investigation, with further hearings scheduled.
Barton's testimony highlights ongoing concerns about the handling of senior diplomatic appointments and the need for thorough background checks to avoid potential scandals.
