A SECOND set of documents relating to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the United States have been released today.
In February this year, MPs ordered the Government to release tens of thousands of documents relating to Mandelson’s appointment in 2024 after questions over how the peer was vetted and what was known about his links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
This release includes previously classified documents and personal WhatsApp messages exchanged by the former ambassador with senior figures in the Government.
The Prime Minister previously insisted Mandelson “lied repeatedly” to No 10 about his relationship with Epstein, before and during his tenure as ambassador.
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones confirmed the release of the first set of documents in March – those which have been cleared for publication by the police investigating Mandelson – in a Commons statement at the time.
The disclosure of the files today, including internal emails and WhatsApp messages, is an “unprecedented piece of Government transparency”, Downing Street said.
The release of the documents was ordered when MPs backed a “humble address” motion tabled by the Tories, a rarely-used manoeuvre which compels the Government to act.
How can I see the Mandelson Files?
Some files have been withheld for national security or foreign relations reasons, but the final say over which documents are redacted rests with Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee.
The documents have been released, and can be found here.
The Government has also agreed a framework with the Metropolitan Police on which documents can be released without prejudicing the ongoing police investigation into Lord Mandelson.
It is the second batch of files relating to Starmer’s ill-fated decision to give the prestigious Washington post to Mandelson rather than a career diplomat.
Mandelson was arrested on February 23 on suspicion of misconduct in public office, having been accused of passing sensitive information on to Epstein during his time as business secretary.
He was subsequently bailed, but later released from his bail conditions, although he remains under investigation.
