The News Agents How bad are the Mandelson files for Keir Starmer?
107 snips
Mar 12, 2026 Newly released files show rushed vetting and warnings about a high-profile appointment tied to Epstein links. Questions arise over who knew what and why concerns did not reach the prime minister. The conversation also covers potential payouts, missing messages that might change the story, and political fallout already absorbed. The episode closes with a wider look at Middle East strikes, oil and food security, and UK–EU strategic choices.
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Rushed Security Vetting For Mandelson Appointment
- The Mandelson appointment was rushed, with classified briefings given before full security vetting completed.
- The files show Number 10 pushed timeline (likely for Trump inauguration) despite Cabinet Office red flags about Epstein links.
Senior Officials Flagged Epstein Risk
- Multiple senior officials including Jonathan Powell, Sir Philip Barton and Karen Pierce raised reservations about Mandelson's Epstein connections.
- Washington officials were uneasy the Epstein story could escalate and still go ahead with the appointment.
Starmer Never Spoke Directly To Mandelson
- Keir Starmer and Peter Mandelson never spoke during the appointment process, according to investigative reporting.
- That lack of direct contact suggests decisions were delegated to aides rather than run past the prime minister himself.
