Documents could reveal what the prime minister knew about the links between the former British envoy to the US and the sex offender
British police have asked the government to refuse to release questions sent by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office to the disgraced former UK ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, regarding his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Politico reported on Monday, citing sources.
The controversy revolves around Starmer’s decision to appoint Mandelson as ambassador despite knowing about his friendship with Epstein. Reports later surfaced that Mandelson had received $75,000 from the disgraced financier and shared sensitive information. Mandelson insists he does not recall receiving any money, but was fired in September 2025 after the backlash.
As the US Justice Department proceeded to release the Epstein files, Starmer came under fire for the failure to properly vet Mandelson prior to the appointment last year, with reports of a coup brewing inside the Labour Party to oust the prime minister.
The scandal has already led to the resignation of Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff, who was one of the people vetting the ex-envoy. The prime minister has claimed that he “was lied to” about Epstein-Mandelson ties.
Two sources told Politico that police want the government to hold back the publication of key correspondence between McSweeney and Mandelson to protect the integrity of its inquiry.
A police spokesperson told the paper that their focus remains on “a timely and thorough process,” noting that “an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office is underway and it is vital… [so that] any potential prosecution is not compromised.”
According to a BBC report in September, during the vetting procedure, Starmer’s ex-chief of staff asked Mandelson three questions: Why did he maintain contact with Epstein post-conviction; why did reports indicate he stayed at Epstein’s residence while the financier was imprisoned, and did he have connections to a charity established by Ghislaine Maxwell, a close Epstein associate?
The broadcaster’s source in Downing Street suggested that Mandelson was “economical with the truth.”
The overall cache of government files connected to the Mandelson appointment could include nearly 100,000 documents, according to the BBC. Parliament voted to compel their release after police opened a criminal case. Downing Street tried to withhold certain materials, citing national security and diplomatic concerns, prompting MPs to accuse officials of orchestrating a “cover-up.”