Documents released by the British government show officials believed there was a “reputational risk” to appointing Peter Mandelson as the U.S. ambassador because of his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The concerns were raised in a document sent to Prime Minister Keir Starmer in December 2024 before he appointed Mandelson to the role, seen as vital to establish a good relationship with the administration of President Donald Trump. The document also spelled out other, unrelated reputational issues over Mandelson’s work in a previous Labour government related to financial matters, including high-profile donors. The 147-page release was published Wednesday on the government website.
