Senior civil servants have revealed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer was briefed about Peter Mandelson's connections to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein before appointing him to a key government role, The Guardian can disclose.
The revelation raises significant questions about the Prime Minister's judgement and the transparency surrounding high-level appointments within the new Labour administration.
What the Briefing Contained
According to Whitehall sources, the intelligence provided to Starmer detailed multiple aspects of Mandelson's association with Epstein, including:
- Details of their social interactions and meetings
- The nature and timeline of their relationship
- Information about visits to Epstein's properties
Despite this knowledge, Starmer proceeded to bring Mandelson back into the heart of government as a minister without portfolio, giving him significant influence across multiple policy areas.
Mounting Political Pressure
The disclosure comes at an awkward time for the Prime Minister, who has repeatedly emphasised "accountability and integrity" as cornerstones of his leadership. Opposition parties are already demanding answers about what exactly Starmer knew and when he knew it.
One senior Conservative figure described the situation as "deeply troubling" and called for immediate transparency about the content of the briefing and the reasoning behind the appointment.
Mandelson's Continued Role
Lord Mandelson, a controversial figure in British politics known for his strategic acumen, has maintained his position despite growing scrutiny of his past associations. His return to government had already raised eyebrows among Labour MPs who remember his New Labour era controversies.
The Epstein connection adds another layer of complexity to his appointment, particularly given the serious nature of Epstein's crimes and the ongoing questions about his network of associates.
Downing Street has yet to provide a detailed response to the civil servants' claims, but the Prime Minister's office continues to express full confidence in Lord Mandelson.
