The Podcast of the Lotus Eaters Breakfast With Beau | Thursday 12th March 2026
Mar 13, 2026
A rapid survey of UK front pages and the Mandelson-Starmer controversy, including newly released vetting papers and the £75,000 settlement. Discussion of Iran-linked tanker attacks and oil price impacts. Coverage of the New Mexico ranch raid tied to Epstein reporting and recruitment methods. Quick takes on student loans, frozen assets probes, Dubai safety and listener reactions.
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Starmer Ignored Repeated Warnings Over Mandelson
- Keir Starmer was repeatedly warned Mandelson posed a clear reputational risk before appointing him ambassador to the US.
- Internal cabinet office papers show multiple advisors flagged Epstein links and the vetting process was "weirdly rushed" well before the appointment.
Mandelson Given Secrets Before Clearance
- Documents reveal Peter Mandelson accessed classified material before full security clearance and his vetting was accelerated.
- Advisors like Jonathan Powell described the process as "weirdly rushed" and civil servants later celebrated settling his payoff down to £75,000.
Mandelson's Close Epstein Ties Raise Deeper Fears
- Mandelson had close, ongoing ties with Jeffrey Epstein including staying in his properties while Epstein was imprisoned.
- Beau links this to deeper concerns, noting New Mexico police recently raided Epstein's Zorro Ranch searching for bodies and darker crimes beyond underage sex.