PM Knew of Epstein Links Before Mandelson Appointment

Prime Minister Aware of Epstein Ties Before Appointing Mandelson

New documents reveal that the Prime Minister and his team were aware of Peter Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein prior to his appointment. Despite internal due diligence reports flagging “general reputational risk” and detailing associations with the convicted sex offender, the appointment proceeded. The revelations, detailed by Times newsroom reporter Ollie Cole, suggest the Prime Minister may have prioritized Mandelson’s assurances over documented concerns.

Due Diligence Report Highlighted Epstein Association

An internal report from within Number 10, which was handed to the Prime Minister, explicitly referenced Peter Mandelson’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein. This report also incorporated findings from JP Morgan regarding Mandelson’s reputation and his association with Epstein, alongside wider reporting from the British press on the same issues. A note within the document categorized these concerns under “general reputational risk.” This due diligence was conducted as part of the process for Mandelson’s appointment.

Questions Raised, Assurances Given

According to the documents, three specific questions were posed to Peter Mandelson following a conversation between the Prime Minister’s Director of Communications, Matthew Doyle, and then Chief of Staff, Morgan McWeeny. Mandelson provided answers to these questions, which the Prime Minister has stated he trusted. However, the existence of the due diligence report, including the reference to Epstein links and the “general reputational risk” assessment, casts doubt on the extent to which these assurances were sufficient given the publicly known information at the time.

“Essentially what we’re learning is that um the prime minister, the team around the prime minister when it came to this appointment knew exactly what the rest of us all knew about Peter Mandlesson and uh was he claims lied to when asked about links with Epstein but continued to go ahead with his appointment.”

Broader Concerns and Political Fallout

Beyond the Epstein connection, the due diligence report also examined Mandelson’s views on China and his involvement with his company, Global Counsel. The political difficulty for the Prime Minister lies in his apparent decision to rely on Mandelson’s answers to three specific questions, while seemingly disregarding a 2019 JP Morgan report, extensive press reporting, and the internal assessment of reputational risk. This stance has led to significant scrutiny regarding the judgment exercised in proceeding with the appointment.

Demands for Payout and Legal Scrutiny

The documents also shed light on the financial demands made by Peter Mandelson after his appointment was terminated. Mandelson reportedly sought a £500,000 payout in lieu of the remainder of his term in Washington. The government stated that this was negotiated down to £75,000, a figure they deemed reasonable due to the potential for an employment tribunal. Labour MP Justin Madders has questioned the basis for such a payout, particularly if Mandelson was found to have lied in his earlier assurances. Further details emerged regarding requests for daily welfare checks on Mandelson after he left his post and inquiries made to those around the Prime Minister about their knowledge at the time of the appointment.

National Security Advisor Expressed Doubts

Notably, National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, who served as Chief of Staff to Tony Blair, is reported to have expressed reservations about the appointment. A call between Powell and the Prime Minister’s General Counsel, Mike O’Connor, on September 12, 2025, revealed that Powell found the appointment process “unusual” and “weirdly rushed.” He did not recall being involved in specific meetings but had conversations where he raised concerns about Mandelson’s reputation with then Chief of Staff Morgan McWeeny. McWeeny reportedly responded that the issues had been addressed. Powell’s unease suggests that not everyone within the administration was fully comfortable with the decision.

Epstein’s Attempt to Meet Tony Blair

Further revelations indicate that the due diligence report included correspondence from Peter Mandelson during Tony Blair’s premiership. An email from Mandelson to the Cabinet Office proposed a meeting between Jeffrey Epstein and then-Prime Minister Tony Blair, citing Epstein’s close relationship with Bill Clinton and his status as a “big shot financier.” This email was flagged in the documentation handed to the current Prime Minister, with a note indicating it was scheduled to be released as part of the national archives after the appointment was made. This detail underscores the depth of the connections between Mandelson and Epstein, and Mandelson’s efforts to bring Epstein into the sphere of influence of Number 10 during Blair’s time as Prime Minister.

Ongoing Revelations and Future Developments

The information released so far represents only the first installment of documents. Ollie Cole of The Times indicated that more files are expected, promising further insights into the inner workings of government and the decision-making processes surrounding Peter Mandelson’s appointment. The Times newsroom is continuously updating its coverage as journalists work through the released files.

Source: Starmer Knew Of Epstein-Mandelson Links Upon Appointment | Ollie Cole (YouTube)