Sir Keir Starmer said Lord Peter Mandelson “betrayed our country” by leaking to Jeffrey Epstein and had “lied repeatedly” during the appointment process to the US ambassador job. Papers 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 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.
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Documents released by the US Department of Justice suggest Mandelson leaked sensitive information to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein while he was Business Secretary under Gordon Brown. The Met has launched a criminal investigation into the claims.
An incensed Starmer said during PMQs: “To learn that there was a cabinet minister leaking sensitive information at the height of the response to 2008 crash is beyond infuriating, and I am as angry as the public and any member of this House.
“Mandelson betrayed our country, our Parliament and my party. Mr Speaker, he lied repeatedly to my team when asked about his relationship with Epstein before and during his tenure as ambassador. I regret appointing him.
“If I knew then what I know now, he would never have been anywhere near government.” He accused the New Labour heavyweight of creating “a litany of deceit.”
The Prime Minister added that he has ordered officials to draw up legislation to remove disgraced peers. He told the Commons: “I’ve instructed my team to draft legislation to strip Mandelson of his title and wider legislation to remove disgraced peers.
“And this morning I’ve agreed with His Majesty the King that Mandelson should be removed from the list of privy councilors on the grounds that he’s brought the reputation of the Privy Council into disrepute.”
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In a statement on Tuesday, 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.” A Government spokesperson responded: “The government stands ready to provide whatever support and assistance the police need.”
Mandelson has not commented publicly since the police launched their probe. But the BBC reported on Tuesday evening the former Labour peer maintains that he has not acted criminally, did not act for personal gain and will cooperate with the police. The broadcaster said Lord Mandelson argues he sought banker Epstein’s expertise in the national interest.
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