Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that he knew about Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein before appointing him to the role of US ambassador.
Questioned by Kemi Badenoch at a tense PMQs if his official security vetting had mentioned that the two men had remained in contact after Epstein’s 2008 jail term for child offences, Starmer replied: “Yes, it did. As a result, as a result, various questions were put to him.”
He said Lord Peter Mandelson “lied repeatedly” and said that he “regrets” appointing him to the role.
Ms Badenoch said the appointment “goes to the very heart of this prime minister’s judgement”.
The PM confirmed that a bill will go through parliament to remove Mandelson’s title as well and he is also moving to remove the disgraced peer from the Privy Council.
Sir Keir will also release explosive documents in a bid to quell Labour anger over scandal and fight off demands from the Conservatives for full disclosure.
Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has agreed with the Tory argument that all papers should be released to the Intelligence and Security Committee.
Files released by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) last Friday appear to show that Lord Mandelson leaked sensitive government information to Epstein while serving as business secretary in Gordon Brown's Labour administration as it dealt with the 2008 financial crash and its aftermath.
The 11 most explosive emails between Jeffrey Epstein and Peter Mandelson
Mandelson says he won’t ‘hide under a rock’ as he praises Epstein’s parties in bizarre interview
Could Peter Mandelson be charged with treason over Epstein leaks?
Lord Mandelson’s fate is now intertwined with that of the Labour government
Mandelson facing police probe over Epstein emails as he quits House of Lords
Andrew moves out of Royal Lodge home amid Epstein controversy
Key Points
- Starmer’s judgement questioned over his appointment of Mandelson
- Angela Rayner intervenes to support the Tory demands
- PM to press ahead with stripping Mandelson of his title
- Sir Keir will try to bury Mandelson scandal at PMQs - and fail
- Met Police warn Starmer over publishing information that could prejudice investigation
- Feeling of ‘deep betrayal’ across government after Mandelson revelations, Streeting says
Is Starmer set to make concessions to avoid damaging Commons defeat on Mandelson?
14:03 , Holly EvansOur Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
The Mandelson motion that MPs are debating would require the government to release all documents relating to his appointment as US ambassador.
To counter this the prime minsiter last night tabled an amendment that would release the papers - except those ‘prejudicial to UK national security or international relations’.
But MPs are clearly unhappy.
And now the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay has told ministers he could accept a so-called ‘manuscript amendment’ - a last minute change - if the government is forced to concede more in order to avoid a damaging defeat over the scandal.
Earlier Sir Keir’s former deputy as prime minister Angela Rayner backed Tory demands that all documents should be run through the Intelligence and Security Committee of parliamentarians, for them to decide what amounted to national security concerns.
National security should not be used to protect Labour 'blushes', says MP
13:55 , Holly EvansNational security concerns should not be used to protect the Labour Party’s “blushes”, a former deputy prime minister said.
In the Commons, Tory MP Sir Oliver Dowden said: “There is a vast difference between protecting national security, for example, in direct intelligence reports from agents on the ground or intercept and subjective judgments made about things that may embarrass national security or may embarrass international relations.
“And that’s why the leader of the Opposition was precisely correct to say we need some independent mechanism.
“So why on earth can’t we agree that the ISC should look at each of these exemptions, and if they feel it passes that threshold, fine, we’ll accept it because we need to protect national security, but it can’t be to spare the party opposite’s blushes.”
MPs will vote on a humble address motion tabled by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch which would require the Government to release all documents relating to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador.
The Prime Minister has tabled a counter motion which allows the release of the documents, but “except papers prejudicial to UK national security or international relations”.
No10 did not ask US authorities to see Epstein files on Mandelson ahead of appointment
13:49 , Holly EvansThe Government did not ask the US Department of Justice to see the so-called Epstein files before Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador in Washington, Downing Street appeared to suggest.
No 10 dodged repeated questions on whether a request was made to view documents related to the peer before their publication, given his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was known.
Pressed on whether that represented a failure of effort on the Government’s part, Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman said: “I don’t accept that.”
The official pointed to the Prime Minister’s remarks that the information that emerged in September and in recent days – revealing the extent of the Labour grandee’s ties to Epstein – was materially different to what was known at the time of Lord Mandelson’s appointment.
Peter Mandelson is a traitor, says MP for Hartlepool
13:45 , Holly EvansOur Whitehall correspondent Kate Devlin writes:
Before he was a peer, Lord Mandelson was for years the Labour MP for Hartlepool.
Today, one of his successors, the Labour MP Jonathan Brash has called him a traitor in the House of Commons.
He told MPs: “I am the Member of Parliament for Hartlepool, and …when I look at the evidence before us I say undoubtedly that Peter Mandelson is a traitor.”
Speaker Lindsay Hoyle tells the minister to stop hiding behind process
13:41 , Holly EvansOur political editor David Maddox writes:
Sir Lindsay Hoyle has made a difficult day worse for the government with an intervention from the Speaker’s chair telling the ministers that they cannot hide behind legal process.
The minister Nick Thomas-Symonds had attempted to use the fact that there is a police investigation into Mandelson that he cannot answer questions fully.
But Sir Lindsay has ruled from the chair the sub judice rules do not apply because no charges have been brought. Nor have the Metropolitan Police contacted him personally.
He tells the minister that there is no reason he cannot answer questions and points in full and suggests that he was trying to “hide behind process”.
Badenoch: 'This is not about national security, this is about job security'
13:35 , Maryam Zakir-HussainKemi Badenoch has said she fears Labour MPs could vote to "withhold anything to do with international relations", which could cover almost anything to do with Lord Peter Mandelson's appointment as London's ambassador to the United States.
The Conservative leader told the Commons: "The Prime Minister is talking about national security - the national security issue was appointing Mandelson in the first place."
Referring to a vote expected in Parliament later on Wednesday, Mrs Badenoch later added: "This is not about national security - this is about (Sir Keir Starmer's) job security.
"His amendment lets him withhold anything to do with international relations but this whole appointment is to do with international relations, so if they're voting for it, they are voting for the cover up.
"If the Prime Minister is serious about national security concerns, then he should ask the Intelligence and Security Committee to decide which documents should be released. Will he commit to doing so here and now?"
Prime Minister Sir Keir replied: "I've set out the process - it won't be a political process, it will be led by the Cabinet Secretary (Sir Chris Wormald), supported by the Government legal teams."
Sir Keir said he hoped MPs would understand "the sensitivity of information about security and intelligence and trade relations that are inevitably caught in exchanges of the nature that have been asked for".
Labour MP will rebel on Starmer's amendment to Mandelson papers
13:25 , Holly EvansLabour MP John McDonnell said he will rebel on Sir Keir Starmer’s amendment to the motion demanding the release of papers on Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment, arguing that it could lead to a cover-up.
The former shadow chancellor said: “I will vote against the Government’s amendment today that tries to exclude papers from the inquiry into Mandelson on the grounds ‘prejudicial to international relations’.
“This is so wide that it opens up the Prime Minister to allegations of collusion in a cover-up.”
Angela Rayner intervenes to support the Tory demands
13:23 , Holly EvansOur political editor David Maddox writes:
Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, a woman now being discussed as a potential replacement for Keir Starmer, has just intervened to support the Tory demands.
She noted that she brought a humble address in 2022 and agreed with the Tory argument that all documents should be run through the Intelligence and Security Committee of parliamentarians for them to decide if they were not appropriate to share because of national security concerns.
This is a significant intervention and will be seen as giving some wavering Labour MPs permission to vote against the government amendment for it to be allowed to sift out documents.
Watch: Starmer admits he was aware of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein when making appointment
13:21 , Holly EvansJeremy Corbyn takes his revenge
13:20 , Maryam Zakir-HussainDavid Maddox reports:
Jeremy Corbyn has just intervened in the debate on releasing the vetting documents on Mandelson.
He notes that this goes wider “covering the gilded circle around Mandelson”.
The former Labour leader and opponent of New Labour calls for an inquiry “into the wider corruption” that this scandal threatens to expose.
Tories make allegations about corruption involving the PM and Mandelson
13:19 , Holly EvansShadow chancellor of Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart has just raised the issue of Palantir which was awarded a £240 million contract by the government.
Mandelson was a shareholder in Palantir and arranged an off diary meeting with them in Washington DC with Sir Keir Starmer when the PM was visiting the US on official business.
Mr Burghart has now demanded communications involved in that meeting and the subsequent contract award.
He says that “it calls into question” Mandelson’s conduct when he was ambassador to the US beyond the questions around his appointment.
Sir Ed Davey says Epstein victims 'deserve far better'- part two
13:10 , Maryam Zakir-HussainResponding to Sir Ed Davey, Sir Keir Starmer said: "We looked at the material, there was a process. He will understand there was then a security vetting exercise as well. And that's why I started by saying all of our thoughts are with the victims of Epstein."
Sir Ed replied: "I think the victims of Jeffrey Epstein deserve far better than that, they deserve Peter Mandelson not being appointed in the first place."
Calling for a public inquiry, he asked: "Is the Prime Minister concerned that Peter Mandelson may have been leaking state secrets, not just to a paedophile American financier, but also a Russian agent?"
Sir Keir said that the focus must be on the criminal investigation and that the Government will co-operate with it "wherever it goes".
Sir Ed Davey says Epstein victims 'deserve far better'- part one
13:04 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Ed Davey said Jeffrey Epstein's victims "deserve far better" and called for a public inquiry "to get justice for the victims and to protect our national security" at Prime Minister's Questions.
The Liberal Democrats leader said: "I've been thinking how it must feel for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and their families, hearing more and more stories of how rich, powerful men were currying favour with a paedophile sex trafficker, such as Peter Mandelson sending government secrets to help Epstein enrich himself further, seeing Mandelson made ambassador to the United States, even after his links to Epstein had been extensively reported by both the Financial Times and Channel 4 News.
"So can the Prime Minister tell us, given he now admits he knew about those links, before he gave such an important job to one of Epstein's closest friends, did he think at all about Epstein's victims?"
Starmer: 'Mandelson's responsible for a litany of deceit'
12:50 , Maryam Zakir-HussainClosing his PMQs exchange with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, Sir Keir Starmer told the Commons: "I'm as angry as anyone about what Mandelson has been up to.
"The disclosures that have been made this week of him passing sensitive information at the height of the response to the 2008 financial crash is utterly shocking and appalling.
"He's betrayed our country. He's lied repeatedly. He's responsible for a litany of deceit.
"But this moment demands not just anger but action.
"And that's why we've moved quickly referring material to the police, publishing legislation so we can remove titles from disgraced politicians, and stripping Mandelson of his privy counsellorship.
"That is what the public expect and that is what we will do."
Starmer’s issue with character judgement not only a Mandelson problem
12:45 , Maryam Zakir-HussainDavid Maddox reports:
Tory MP Charlie Dewhirst has just asked a question on Sir Keir Starmer’s relationship with the disgraced lawyer Phil Shiner who pursued British service personnel and fished for cases to bring against them.
A tribunal debarred Shiner finding him “guilty of multiple professional misconduct charges, including dishonesty and lack of integrity". He was later convicted of fraud.
Mr Dewhirst noted that Sir Keir had authored a chapter in Shiner’s book and asked if he had ever been instructed as a barrister by him.
The PM looked rattled and replied that he had “nothing to do with Phil Shiner” as soon as he realised he was involved with wrongdoing.
But a little like Mandelson, it appears that Sir Keir has allowed himself to get involved with someone who turned out to be a highly questionable individual.
Starmer says McSweeney is 'essential part' of Downing Street team
12:40 , Maryam Zakir-HussainDowning Street chief of staff Morgan McSweeney is "an essential part" of the No 10 team, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch told the Commons: "He says the Cabinet Secretary (Sir Chris Wormald) makes it non-political, but that doesn't make it independent. What we want is an independent look. The (Intelligence and Security Committee) is independent - the Cabinet Secretary works for him.
"We know that there will be a cover up because this implicates the Prime Minister and his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, a protege of Peter Mandelson.
"The Prime Minister chose to inject Mandelson's poison into the heart of his Government on the advice of Morgan McSweeney."
Mrs Badenoch asked: "After all of this, does he have the same full confidence in Morgan McSweeney that he had in Peter Mandelson?"
Sir Keir replied: "Morgan McSweeney is an essential part of my team. He helped me change the Labour Party and win an election. Of course, I have confidence.
"But whatever is slung across this despatch box, I don't think it's right for the Cabinet Secretary to be denigrated in that way and to suggest that he would be involved in a cover-up."
Tory spokesman says 'very serious questions' raised over PM's judgement
12:34 , Maryam Zakir-HussainIn response to the PMQs, a Conservative spokesman said: “The prime minister has just admitted that the official security vetting highlighted Mandelson’s ongoing relationship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, but he went ahead and appointed him anyway.
“This is the first time the prime minister has admitted this and it raises very serious questions over Keir Starmer’s shocking judgement.
“The PM is now trying to orchestrate a cover up by having his own government mark his homework. All MPs must now support the Conservatives’ humble address so that we reveal the full extent of this scandal and the shocking failure of Keir Starmer and his operation.”
Badenoch urges Labour MPs to vote in favour of releasing all Mandelson documents
12:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainTory leader Kemi Badenoch urged Labour MPs to vote in favour of releasing all documents relating to Lord Peter Mandelson's appointment, "not just the ones the prime minister wants us to see".
In the Commons, she said: "How can he stand up there saying that he knew, but he just asked Peter Mandelson if the security vetting was true or false? This is a man who had been sacked from Cabinet twice already for unethical behaviour.
"That is absolutely shocking, and that is why later today, my party will call on the government to release all documents relating to Mandelson's appointment. Not just the ones the prime minister wants us to see.
"Because this government is trying to sabotage that release with an amendment to let him choose what we see. Labour MPs now have to decide if they want to be accessories to his cover up. Can the prime minister guarantee that he won't remove the whip if they refuse to vote for his whitewash amendment?"
Sir Keir Starmer replied: "The first exemption is in relation to anything that could compromise national security. That is not a small matter, and many members on the benches opposite will know precisely why that needs to be in the exemption."
He added: "The second exemption is in relation to things that would prejudice international relations. There will be discussions about security and intelligence and trade which are highly sensitive to the two countries involved and to third countries."
PM says Mandelson 'misrepresented the extent of his relationship with Epstein' during vetting process
12:26 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Keir Starmer said Lord Peter Mandelson's relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was included in the official security vetting but the former US ambassador "completely misrepresented the extent of his relationship".
In the Commons, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: "The Prime Minister cannot blame the process. He did know, it was on Google. If the Conservative research department could find this information out, why couldn't Number 10?
"On the 10th of September, when we knew this, I asked him at that despatch box, he gave Mandelson his full confidence at that despatch box, not once, but twice. He only sacked him after pressure from us."
She added: "Can the Prime Minister tell us did the official security vetting he received mention Mandelson's ongoing relationship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein?"
Sir Keir replied: "Yes it did. As a result, various questions were put to him.
"I intend to disclose to this House all of the - national security prejudice to international relations on one side - I want to make sure this House sees the full documentation so it will see for itself the extent to which time and time again Mandelson completely misrepresented the extent of his relationship with Epstein and lied throughout the process, including in response to the due diligence."
Morgan McSweeney now in full focus
12:22 , Maryam Zakir-HussainDavid Maddox reports:
Kemi Badenoch has turned her fire on the prime minister’s right hand man, his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.
McSweeney was the one who was understood to be at the heart of appointing Mandelson to be ambassador of the US and then pleading to not sack him.
Ms Badenoch asked if the prime minister has confidence in McSweeney.
Sir Keir replies: “Of course I do…he won an election.”
A number of Labour MPs behind Sir Keir will be quietly cheering Ms Badenoch for going after McSweeney who himself was a protege of Mandelson.
PM admits he was aware of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein when making appointment
12:19 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Keir Starmer said he was aware of Lord Peter Mandelson's ongoing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein when he appointed him as ambassador to the US.
He added that the House will see the "full documentation" and "the extent to which time and time again Mandelson completely misrepresented the extent of his relationship with Epstein and lied throughout the process".
Analysis: Kemi Badenoch moves Mandelson scandal on to Starmer’s personal judgement
12:16 , Maryam Zakir-HussainDavid Maddox reports:
Kemi Badenoch clearly sees that the prime minister is exposed for appointing Mandelson in the first place to the UK’s most important diplomatic post.
She is pushing on what Sir Keir knew when making Mandelson ambassador to the US, pointing out that many of the revelations could have been found “with a simple Google search”.
This boils down to the debate later in the day on the Humble Address to publish all the documents about the vetting of Mandelson for the post.
Sir Keir wants to exempt all material which would “prejudice national security” and other material on “highly sensitive” international discussions.
He is preparing to add material which might “prejudice the criminal investigation” into Mandelson.
Ms Badenoch argues that this is “a whitewash amendment” and warns Labour MPs about voting for it.
In the end though this will come down to a question of whether Sir Keir’s judgement was badly awry last year when he made the appointment. At a time when his position is weak this could be pivotal.
Met Police warn Starmer over publishing information that could prejudice investigation
12:15 , Maryam Zakir-HussainMillie Cooke reports:
The Met Police have been in touch with the prime minister to "raise issues about anything that would prejudice their investigation", Sir Keir Starmer has said.
The PM, who was met with laughter in the Commons as he said he wanted to be "totally open" with MPs in the House, went on: "You and the House will appreciate that in the course of discussions, country to country, there are very sensitive issues of security, intelligence and trade which cannot be disclosed without compromising the relationship between the two countries or a third country.
“Mr Speaker, so I can be totally open with the House, the Metropolitan Police have been in touch with my office this morning to raise issues about anything that would prejudice their investigation.
“We're in discussion with them about that and I hope to be able to update the House. But I do think I should make that clear to the House because those discussions are ongoing."
Starmer confirms he will release Mandelson vetting documents
12:14 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAthena Stavrou reports:
The prime minister has confirmed he will publish documents related to the vetting process Peter Mandelson underwent before he was appointed US ambassador.
The documents are expected to include information on the vetting process Lord Mandelson went through before being given the Washington job.
“I intend to make sure all of the material is published,” Sir Keir Starmer said during PMQs.
However, he added there would be exemptions for national security and anything that will prejudice national relations.
He also said the Metropolitan Police had been in touch to raise issues about anything that would prejudice their investigations.
Starmer to press ahead with stripping Mandelson of his title
12:12 , Maryam Zakir-HussainDavid Maddox reports:
Mandelson’s resignation from the House of Lords is clearly not enough for Sir Keir Starmer.
The prime minister has confirmed that a bill will go through parliament to remove Mandelson’s title as well and he is also moving to remove the disgraced peer from the Privy Council.
Sir Keir’s did not hide his fury at the revelations concerning Mandelson saying that he had “betrayed” the country and damaged the reputation of “the Privy Council”.
Starmer says Mandelson ‘betrayed our country’
12:09 , Maryam Zakir-HussainKate Devlin reports:
The PM said he regretted appointing Mandelson as he said he had “betrayed our country”.
He told MPs: “To learn that there was a cabinet minister leaking sensitive information at the height of the response the 2008 crash is beyond infuriating, and I'm as angry as the public."
“Mandelson betrayed our country,” he added.
He went on: “I regret appointing him."
Starmer: Mandelson 'lied repeatedly'
12:08 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Keir Starmer said Lord Peter Mandelson lied repeatedly” during the appointment process to the US ambassador job.
Starmer’s judgement questioned over his appointment of Mandelson
12:06 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAthena Stavrou reports:
Sir Keir Starmer was immediately grilled over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador during PMQs.
Leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch said the appointment “goes to the very heart of this prime minister’s judgement”.
She also asked if Mandelson had continued his friendship with Epstein after his conviction.
Sir Keir said he was “beyond infuriated” by the latest revelations and said Mandelson “betrayed this country”.
Badenoch says Mandelson appointment 'goes to heart of PM's judgement'
12:04 , Maryam Zakir-HussainKemi Badenoch has risen to speak.
The Tory leader said the decision to appoint Mandelson as US ambassador “goes to very heart of this prime minister’s judgement.
“M had continued his friendship, even after Epstein’s conviction for child prostitution”.
PMQs begins
12:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainPMQs is now beginning.
We are expecting Sir Keir Starmer to be heavily grilled over his appointment of Lord Mandelson as his US ambassador.
Stay tuned for live updates.
Watch PMQs live
11:49 , Maryam Zakir-HussainTory party chair says Starmer knew Mandelson is 'one of the dodgiest people in politics'
11:34 , Maryam Zakir-HussainKevin Hollinrake, the Conservative party chair, told the Today programme that he was glad the prime minister will be releasing some documents relating to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as an ambassador.
He said: “The reality is Keir Starmer knew he was appointing one of the dodgiest people in politics to the role of ambassador to the US – one of the best jobs in politics. He knew of his background and he knew of his relationship with Epstein and he still pushed ahead and appointed him.”
The 11 most explosive emails between Jeffrey Epstein and Peter Mandelson
11:17 , Maryam Zakir-HussainHere, The Independent takes a look at some of the major emails believed to have been exchanged between the pair.
Badenoch: 'This cover up has gone on too long'
10:57 , Maryam Zakir-HussainTory leader Kemi Badenoch has said today’s humble address motion will help “reveal the truth” about Peter Mandelson’s appointment as an ambassador to the US.
She wrote in a post on X: “Today MPs have a choice: support our efforts to reveal the truth about how & why Mandelson was appointed Ambassador despite his links to paedophile Epstein; or they can help Starmer and Morgan McSweeney dodge scrutiny over this sordid affair.
“This cover up has gone on too long.”
Today MPs have a choice: support our efforts to reveal the truth about how & why Mandelson was appointed Ambassador despite his links to paedophile Epstein; or they can help Starmer and Morgan McSweeney dodge scrutiny over this sordid affair.
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) February 4, 2026
This cover up has gone on too long. https://t.co/QrqRpyLIaQ
How many times is Nigel Farage mentioned in the Epstein files?“
10:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainOur political correspondent, Millie Cooke, reports:
“Nigel Farage” is mentioned 36 times in the Epstein files.
However, most of the Reform UK leader’s mentions in the tranche of documents are included in newspaper reports sent to Jeffrey Epstein, many of which are repeats of one another.
He is also mentioned by ex-Trump strategist Steve Bannon, who boasted in messages to Epstein that he had become an adviser to Mr Farage in March 2018.
“I now am advisor to Front; salvini/ the league; afd; Swiss peoples; orban; land and freedom; farage; --- next may is European Parliament elections--- we can go from 92!seats to 200--- shut down any crypto legislation or anything else we want”, Mr Bannon wrote.
“Roger that”, Epstein replied.
Being named or pictured in the files is not an indication of wrongdoing.
Starmer will try to bury Mandelson scandal at PMQs - and fail
10:10 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAnalysis by Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor
The PM told his cabinet on Tuesday that Mandelson had let his “country down”.
Expect more of that language at PMQs today.
Sir Keir will have to try to bury the scandal that has engulfed his party and his government for days when he appears in the Commons later.
But no matter how strong his condemnation of Mandelson, as he admitted himself the government fears there are more revelations about the relationship with Epstein still to come.
Sir Keir has also been forced to agree to release papers about Mandelson's job as ambassador to Washington.
This story has much left to run.
Here's what to expect today
10:01 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSir Keir Starmer will be pressed over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador in 2024 at Prime Minster’s Questions today, which takes place at noon.
Kemi Badenoch tabled a humble address motion in the Commons, an arcane parliamentary mechanism to try to compel the government to release documents including due diligence work carried out by the Cabinet Office, emails between Lord Mandelson and his ally Mr McSweeney and details of the severance payment made to the peer after he was fired.
Mrs Badenoch also demanded Downing Street explain the vetting process as she claimed concerns were "waved away" so that the prime minister could make "a political appointment of a man who is a close friend of a convicted paedophile".
Watch: Feeling of ‘deep betrayal’ across government after Mandelson revelations, Streeting says
09:37 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAnalysis: Starmer’s unprecedented decision on Mandelson papers is sign of Labour unravelling before our eyes
09:30 , Tara CobhamPolitical editor David Maddox reports:
The decision by Sir Keir Starmer to agree to release any vetting documents at all on Lord Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US is unprecedented.
Normally such things only emerge through leaks or protracted legal or political battles, but the prime minister has essentially folded at the first demand made by the Tories.
With the fury on the Labour backbenches though, and the prospect of a huge rebellion if he had tried to oppose publication altogether, Sir Keir had little choice but to accede in some form or other.
However, the implications of what is happening and what the documents will potentially give a flavour of are immense.
What we are seeing is more than four decades of the Labour Party - one of the political pillars of Britain’s democracy - unravelling before our eyes.
Mandelson was at the heart of the creation of New Labour, he has been a close associate and adviser to three generations of Labour leaders. His dramatic fall from grace is one which goes beyond his personal reputation but infects the wider body Labour and its leaders.
No wonder Gordon Brown, in contrast to Starmer, has acted with such decisive fury over what has been revealed.
Wes Streeting: 'Lessons to be learned' on vetting after Mandelson appointment
09:15 , Tara CobhamPolitical reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
The health secretary has admitted there are “clearly lessons to be learned” when it comes to government vetting processes, as the prime minister faces questions over Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador.
Asked if it was an error of judgment to only vet Peter Mandelson after his appointment, Wes Streeting said: "There are clearly lessons to be learned, to put it mildly.”
The health secretary explained that Lord Mandelson was appointed “on the basis of his experience”, but told Times Radio: “None of that experience can possibly outweigh the seriousness of Peter Mandelson's actions and misjudgments. And that's why it is being taken extremely seriously.”
Starmer to publish files on Mandelson's ambassador appointment, minister confirms
09:00 , Tara CobhamPolitical reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Sir Keir Starmer is set to publish the key documents relating to his appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, the health secretary has confirmed.
The documents are expected to include information on the vetting process Lord Mandelson went through before being given the Washington job.
If released today, the prime minister could avoid being forced to publish the documents by the Tories, who were planning to use a parliamentary mechanism to do so in the afternoon.
When asked whether the government would release documents on Wednesday morning, Wes Streeting told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “He will publish the information relating to Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador.
“The exceptions to that will be anything that compromises our national security and security services and their work and anything that could undermine our international Relations.”
Andrew and Epstein asked exotic dancer for threesome, legal letter claims
08:45 , Tara CobhamAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein asked an exotic dancer for a threesome at the late paedophile’s Florida home, legal letters claim.
In a document unearthed as part of the millions of pages released on Friday connected to Epstein, the unnamed woman’s lawyers said the pair offered to pay her and others “10,000 dollars each to perform”.
In the letter, dated March 23, 2011, the woman’s legal representatives accused Andrew and Epstein of having “prevailed upon her to engage in various sex acts” during the alleged encounter in “early 2006”.
Lawyers also claimed the party at Epstein’s West Palm Beach home included women “as young as 14 years old” who were “dressed provocatively”.
The letter also said the unnamed woman would be content to keep the alleged encounter confidential “in exchange for a payment of 250,000 dollars”.
The allegation is separate from the one made by Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was forced to have sex with Andrew three times – once at convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell’s home in London, once at Epstein’s address in Manhattan, and once on the disgraced financier’s private island, Little St James.
Andrew has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Feeling of ‘deep betrayal’ across government after Mandelson revelations, Streeting says
08:25 , Tara CobhamPolitical reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Wes Streeting has said there is a feeling of “deep betrayal” across government and the Labour Party after fresh revelations about Peter Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein emerged over the weekend.
The health secretary described Lord Mandelson’s behaviour as “completely outrageous” and said he personally felt “completely betrayed”.
“There's outrage across the political spectrum on this, and there's outrage up and down the land,” he told Sky News.
“I can tell you, that's felt particularly acutely in the Labour Party, because we also feel this is a portrayal of our values.”
He added: “He's betrayed two prime ministers. He's betrayed his country and our national interest. He's betrayed Epstein's victims.”
Mandelson’s US job appointment details set for release amid Epstein fallout
08:23 , Tara CobhamPapers on Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US will be released by Sir Keir Starmer after the former minister’s dealings with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein led to a criminal probe and his departure from the House of Lords.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch is seeking to force the Government to release all documents showing how Lord Mandelson got the Washington job, including messages exchanged with key figures in Sir Keir’s inner circle including chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and top ministers.
The government will agree to release the requested information unless it is ”prejudicial to UK national security or international relations”.
Lord Mandelson, a political appointment rather than a career diplomat, was sacked in September last year over his links with Epstein.
Mrs Badenoch has tabled a humble address motion in the Commons, an arcane parliamentary mechanism to try to compel the Government to release documents including due diligence work carried out by the Cabinet Office, emails between Lord Mandelson and his ally Mr McSweeney and details of the severance payment made to the peer after he was fired.
The government’s amendment, agreeing to release the papers except for anything which would jeopardise security or diplomatic ties, appears to accept the level of anger on the Labour benches about the Mandelson affair, which could have led to a revolt if MPs were whipped to oppose the release of papers.
PM is committed to ‘maximum transparency’ on details of Mandelson’s US ambassador appointment, Streeting says
08:15 , Tara CobhamPolitical reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
The health secretary has insisted Sir Keir Starmer is committed to “maximum transparency” on the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.
The Conservatives will seek to force the Government to release all papers relating to how Lord Mandelson got the Washington job on Wednesday.
When asked whether the prime minister should release documents relating to the appointment, Wes Streeting said: “I think the prime minister is going for maximum transparency here.
“He's obviously drawing a line that I think people will understand and agree with, which is not releasing information where it might compromise our national security and our security services, or where there may be information in there that might undermine international relations with other countries.
“But apart from those exceptions, the prime minister is going for real transparency here.”
What is a humble address? The arcane parliamentary mechanism Tories are to table
07:57 , Tara CobhamThe Conservative Party will table a humble address motion, an arcane parliamentary mechanism to try to compel the government to release documents including due diligence work carried out by the Cabinet Office, emails between the prime minister’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and Lord Mandelson relating to his association with Epstein, and minutes of meetings held about the appointment.
The opposition sometimes tables a motion in the form of a humble address on opposition days, according to UK Parliament.
It is used to call for papers from departments headed by a secretary of state, and can be debated, amended and voted on like any other motion.
Humble addresses, if passed, are binding on ministers.
Badenoch is demanding Downing St explain vetting process behind Mandelson appointment
07:47 , Tara CobhamAt PMQs, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch will look to focus fresh attention on Sir Keir Starmer’s move to appoint Lord Mandelson the UK’s ambassador to the US last year.
She demanded Downing Street explain the vetting process as she claimed concerns were “waved away” so that the prime minister could make “a political appointment of a man who is a close friend of a convicted paedophile”.
Starmer set to be grilled at PMQs over Mandelson appointment
07:26 , Tara CobhamSir Keir Starmer’s appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US is coming under growing scrutiny, after bombshell revelations about the peer’s dealings with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein led to a criminal probe and his departure from the House of Lords.
The Conservatives will seek to force the government to release all papers relating to how Lord Mandelson got the Washington job as Sir Keir faces MPs for Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday.
The prime minister’s weekly appearance in the Commons follows the launch of a criminal investigation into allegations Lord Mandelson passed market-sensitive information to disgraced financier Epstein while serving in Gordon Brown’s Labour administration as it dealt with the fallout from the 2008 financial crash.
Lord Mandelson is to step down from the Lords on Wednesday, after the revelations in the so-called Epstein files released by US authorities sparked outrage across the political spectrum.
Mandelson facing police probe as he quits Lords – full report
07:00 , Jane Dalton
Mandelson facing police probe over Epstein emails as he quits House of Lords
Opinion: Mandelson clearly thinks scandal is for little people
06:00 , Jane Dalton
Caught with his pants down, Mandelson clearly thinks scandal is for little people
Prince Edward breaks silence over Andrew-Epstein furore
05:00 , Jane Dalton
Prince Edward breaks silence over Andrew-Epstein controversy
Peers rarely stand down in disgrace
05:00 , Jane DaltonIt’s almost unheard of for a peer to step down from the House of Lords in disgrace.
However, in December, two members were suspended from the upper chamber for several months after being found to have exploited their positions for financial gain.
Two House of Lords peers suspended after breaking lobbying rules
The 11 most explosive emails between Epstein and Mandelson
04:00 , Jane DaltonIn case you missed it:
Editorial: Mandelson’s fate intertwined with government's
03:00 , Jane Dalton
Mandelson’s fate is now intertwined with that of the Labour government
Timeline of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein
02:00 , Jane Dalton
Timeline of Lord Mandelson’s controversial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
Starmer must give police evidence, says Badenoch
01:00 , Jane DaltonKemi Badenoch said Sir Keir Starmer should provide evidence to the police in their Lord Mandelson investigation if required, calling the affair a "national embarrassment".
The Tory leader said the launch of the criminal investigation was inevitable but "should not let this distract us from the fact that the Prime Minister has his fingerprints all over this".
She told Sky News: "I think the Prime Minister has a lot of questions to answer, and not just him, but his chief of staff, and all the people in No 10 who pushed this appointment.
"I think it is a national embarrassment. There are many people who should have been given that job, or who should have been interviewed for that job, and they didn't get a chance."
Asked whether police should interview Sir Keir, Mrs Badenoch said: "I think the police will make that call. But if there is evidence that shows that there is something to do with the Prime Minister, then, of course, yes.
"But, right now, I think the Prime Minister himself needs to come clean and tell us what he knew and when, and be honest about how this ever happened in the first place."
The Conservative Party plans to table a humble address motion, an arcane parliamentary mechanism, to force the government to release all information on Sir Keir Starmer's appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador last year.
Government 'ready to help police probe'
Tuesday 3 February 2026 23:59 , Jane DaltonA government spokesperson said the government stood ready to provide whatever support and assistance the police need in their investigation.
Commander Ella Marriott, of the Metropolitan Police, said: "Following the further release of millions of court documents in relation to Jeffrey Epstein by the United States Department of Justice, the Met received a number of reports into alleged misconduct in public office including a referral from the UK Government.
"I can confirm that the Metropolitan Police has now launched an investigation into a 72-year-old man, a former government minister, for misconduct in public office offences.
"The Met will continue to assess all relevant information brought to our attention as part of this investigation and won't be commenting any further at this time."
Watch: Lib Dems call for national inquiry into Epstein’s links with Mandelson
Tuesday 3 February 2026 23:00 , Jane Dalton
Fresh call for national inquiry into Epstein’s links with Mandelson
Breaking: Andrew 'moving out of Royal Lodge' according to reports
Tuesday 3 February 2026 22:46 , Bryony GoochAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has moved out of his home in Windsor to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk according to the BBC, Sky News and The Sun.
The former prince left Royal Lodge on Monday night and is currently living in a temporary property on the Sandringham Estate while his permanent home undergoes renovations.
Buckingham Palace did not comment on the matter when contacted by The Independent.
Police assessing claim woman was ‘sent to UK for sex with Andrew’
Tuesday 3 February 2026 22:15 , Jane Dalton
Police assessing claim woman was ‘sent to UK for sex with Andrew’
Tories seek to force Starmer to release Mandelson appointment papers
Tuesday 3 February 2026 22:00 , Jane DaltonThe Conservatives will seek to force the government to release all information on Sir Keir Starmer's appointment of Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the United States.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch demanded Downing Street explain the vetting process as she claimed concerns were "waived away" so that the prime minister could make "a political appointment of a man who is a close friend of a convicted paedophile".
The Conservative Party on Wednesday intends to table a humble address motion, an arcane parliamentary mechanism which can be used to compel the government to produce documents.
Information it will demand be published include the due diligence work carried out by the Cabinet Office, emails between Lord Mandelson and the Prime Minister's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney relating to his association with Epstein, minutes of meetings held about the appointment and details of payments made to Lord Mandelson on his departure from the Washington role.
Humble addresses, if passed, are binding on ministers.
No records found in Mandelson's mailbox, Brown tells police
Tuesday 3 February 2026 20:58 , Jane DaltonEx-prime minister Gordon Brown has written to the chief of the Metropolitan Police with information relating to Lord Mandelson's alleged disclosure of market-sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein.
He said he had given Sir Mark Rowley information relating to an "inexcusable and unpatriotic act".
Newly released emails from 2009 appeared to show Lord Mandelson shared sensitive information on at least four occasions.
Mr Brown told the Press Association: "I have included the letter I sent in September 2025 asking the Cabinet Secretary to investigate the veracity of information contained in the Epstein papers regarding the sale of assets arising from the banking collapse and communications about them between Lord Mandelson and Mr Epstein.
"I have also included the November 2026 (sic) response from the Cabinet Secretary who said about this that 'no records of information or correspondence from Lord Mandelson's mailbox' could be found.”
It has been reported that Lord Mandelson used a private email address to correspond with senior government figures and Epstein, and that the Cabinet Office cannot retrieve the messages because it is now defunct.
Government says it will support police investigation
Tuesday 3 February 2026 19:30 , Daniel KeaneThe Government has said it will provide any support the Metropolitan Police needs in its criminal investigation into allegations Lord Peter Mandelson leaked confidential information to Jeffrey Epstein.
A Government spokesperson said: "The Government stands ready to provide whatever support and assistance the police need."
Badenoch welcomes investigation into Mandelson
Tuesday 3 February 2026 19:16 , Daniel KeaneConservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said it is “right” there is a full criminal investigation into allegations Lord Peter Mandelson passed market sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein.
However, she told broadcasters it “should not distract from the fact that the Prime Minister appointed a man who was the close friend and associate of a notorious and convicted paedophile”.
Met Police release statement on Mandelson
Tuesday 3 February 2026 19:01 , Daniel KeaneThe Met Police have released a full statement on the investigation into Lord Mandelson.
Commander Ella Marriott, from the Metropolitan Police, said: "Following the further release of millions of court documents in relation to Jeffrey Epstein by the United States Department of Justice, the Met received a number of reports into alleged misconduct in public office including a referral from the UK Government.
"I can confirm that the Metropolitan Police has now launched an investigation into a 72-year-old man, a former Government Minister, for misconduct in public office offences.
"The Met will continue to assess all relevant information brought to our attention as part of this investigation and won't be commenting any further at this time."
Mandelson facing police probe over Epstein emails as he quits House of Lords - full report
Tuesday 3 February 2026 18:39 , Jane DaltonMandelson facing police probe over Epstein emails as he quits House of Lords
Mandelson facing police probe over Epstein emails as he quits House of Lords - full report
Tuesday 3 February 2026 18:39 , Jane DaltonMandelson facing police probe over Epstein emails as he quits House of Lords
Criminal investigation into Mandelson claims launched
Tuesday 3 February 2026 18:13 , Jane DaltonA criminal investigation has been launched into allegations Lord Peter Mandelson passed market-sensitive information to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, the Press Association is reporting.
Epstein’s ‘dog muck’ smell won’t wash off Labour
Tuesday 3 February 2026 17:45 , Jane Dalton
Epstein’s ‘dog muck’ is now a smell that Labour can’t wash off
The 11 most explosive emails between Epstein and Mandelson
Tuesday 3 February 2026 17:10 , Jane DaltonBrown slates 'inexcusable and unpatriotic act'
Tuesday 3 February 2026 16:43 , Jane DaltonGordon Brown has written to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley "with information relevant to his investigation of Lord Mandelson's disclosure of market-sensitive and confidential Government information" to Jeffrey Epstein.
He told the Press Association: "I have today written to the Met Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley with information relevant to his investigation of Lord Mandelson's disclosure of market sensitive and confidential Government information to the American financier, Jeffrey Epstein, an inexcusable and unpatriotic act at a time when the whole government and country were attempting to address the global financial crisis that was damaging so many livelihoods.
"I have sent Sir Mark correspondence, exchanged between myself and the Cabinet Secretary last year, and I have also passed over information arising from it that may be important in his current investigation.
"I have included the letter I sent in September 2025 asking the Cabinet Secretary to investigate the veracity of information contained in the Epstein papers regarding the sale of assets arising from the banking collapse and communications about them between Lord Mandelson and Mr Epstein.
"I have also included the November 2026 response from the Cabinet Secretary who said about this that 'no records of information or correspondence from Lord Mandelson's mailbox' could be found.
"Having drawn their attention to relevant evidence, the matter now rests in the hands of the police."
Gordon Brown gives information to police chief
Tuesday 3 February 2026 16:38 , Jane DaltonLabour former prime minister Gordon Brown says he has written to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley "with information relevant to his investigation of Lord Mandelson's disclosure of market-sensitive and confidential Government information" to Jeffrey Epstein.
Starmer says Mandelson was right to quit Lords
Tuesday 3 February 2026 16:21 , Jane DaltonA Downing Street spokesman said: "It is right that Peter Mandelson will no longer be a member of the House of Lords.
"As the Prime Minister said this morning, Peter Mandelson let his country down."
Sir Keir Starmer told his cabinet earlier today he had made clear the government would co-operate with the police in any inquiries they carried out, but he that the government had to go further, working at speed in the Lords, including legislatively if necessary, the prime minister's spokesman said.
Watch: Moment Lords speaker announces Mandelson to step down
Tuesday 3 February 2026 16:10 , Jane Dalton
Watch: Moment House of Lords speaker announces Mandelson to step down
Prince Edward breaks silence over Andrew-Epstein furore
Tuesday 3 February 2026 15:52 , Jane DaltonPrince Edward breaks silence over Andrew-Epstein controversy
Mandelson could have breached Official Secrets Act, says Farage
Tuesday 3 February 2026 15:40 , Jane DaltonReform UK leader Nigel Farage has questioned whether Lord Mandelson breached the Official Secrets Act in his discussions with Jeffrey Epstein.
He said: "It is highly sensitive market information. It is government secrets.
"I also wonder whether, in emails to Epstein, he talked about the security apparatus that exists underneath No 10 and at the heart of Whitehall. That is information that is of national security importance. "
Peers rarely stand down in disgrace
Tuesday 3 February 2026 15:24 , Jane DaltonIt’s almost unheard of for a peer to step down from the House of Lords in disgrace.
However, in December, two members were suspended from the upper chamber for several months after being found to have exploited their positions for financial gain.
Two House of Lords peers suspended after breaking lobbying rules
Watch: Mandelson to quit House of Lords
Tuesday 3 February 2026 15:20 , Jane DaltonMandelson retires tomorrow
Tuesday 3 February 2026 15:05 , Jane DaltonLord Mandelson will formally retire from the House of Lords tomorrow, the newly installed Lord Speaker Lord Forsyth of Drumlean said.
He told the upper chamber: "Given the public interest and for the convenience of the House, I've decided to inform the House that the clerk of the Parliaments has today received notification from Lord Mandelson of his intention to retire from the House, effective from February 4.
"I will formally notify this to the house tomorrow in the usual way."
Mandelson to step down from House of Lords
Tuesday 3 February 2026 15:00 , Jane Dalton
Mandelson to step down from House of Lords amid Epstein email scandal
Mandelson to quit Lords
Tuesday 3 February 2026 14:54 , Jane DaltonBreaking news: Lord Mandelson is to step down from the House of Lords, it has been announced by the Lord Speaker.
Pictured: Epstein and Mandelson together in latest release
Monday 2 February 2026 23:00 , Bryony Gooch
