Keir Starmer rejects Peter Mandelson recordsdata ‘cover-up’ claims in first feedback
The first tranche of documents were released shortly after Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday and include a series of shocking details about the disgraced peer
Keir Starmer spoke out after the files were published(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Keir Starmer has rejected “cover-up” accusations after No10 released the first dossier of evidence on Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador.
It comes after Downing Street published a 147-page document, which included details on the vetting procedures for the Labour veteran’s plum Washington job. Lord Mandelson was sacked by Mr Starmer last year over his ties to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
No10 today responded to claims key details had been left out of the first tranche of potentially tens of thousands of documents relating to Lord Mandelson’s appointment. Tory chief Kemi Badenoch made the allegation after it emerged a comment box reserved for the Prime Minister’s response was left blank.
The PM’s official spokesman told reporters: “I refute the suggestion of a cover up. The government’s complied fully. I just don’t accept that it’s the case at all. There are a range of different ways in which the Prime Minister’s senior team responds to advice.”
READ MORE: Peter Mandelson files eight revelations – from astonishing request to Farage riskREAD MORE: Peter Mandelson demanded £500,000 payout after sacking over Epstein ties
He added: “The Prime Minister did read the advice, but clearly there are lessons to be learned on the wider appointment processes, and the processes that led up to them.” It is undersood nothing was redcated from the part of document in question.
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
Keir Starmer also told reporters in Northern Ireland today that “it was me that made the mistake” in appointing Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador “and it’s me that makes the apology to the victims of Epstein”.
It was also disclosed in the files on Wednesday, Lord Mandelson was offered a £75,000 severance payments after initially seeking a payout for his entire four-year contract – at a cost of £547,201 to the taxpayer.
Downing Street and senior ministers said the Labour grandee should pay back the money – or donate it to charity.
