London, United Kingdom. The British government on Monday published a second batch of documents relating to the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, a case that has raised questions over Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s judgment and leadership.
Appointment under scrutiny
Starmer sacked Mandelson last year, but his decision to give Britain’s top diplomatic post to a man with known ties to the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein prompted calls for him to resign earlier this year.
Mandelson is under police investigation for allegedly leaking government documents to Epstein. He does not face allegations of sexual misconduct.
An initial tranche of documents released in March showed that Starmer had been warned about the risks of the appointment, including Mandelson’s ties to Epstein, his previous resignations from government and his support for closer ties with China.
Pressure on Starmer
Starmer’s position has weakened further since the Mandelson controversy. Last month, he faced a new challenge to his leadership after dozens of Labour lawmakers called on him to step down following defeats in local elections.
The documents released on Monday are expected to include messages between Mandelson and ministers and lawmakers, and could prove embarrassing if they criticise Starmer or comment on U.S. President Donald Trump.
Mandelson was a government minister when Starmer’s Labour Party was last in power more than 15 years ago. He was removed as U.S. ambassador when the extent of his friendship with Epstein became clear from U.S. file releases.
Starmer has said he was “wrong” to appoint Mandelson and has expressed regret, but says all proper processes were followed. He has also criticised officials for failing to tell him that a security vetting body had advised against the appointment.