Undisclosed messages from Darren Jones to Peter Mandelson show Jones seeking advice on a reshuffle, criticizing colleagues, and expressing career ambitions. Mandelson, sacked as US ambassador due to Epstein links, refused to disclose his messages, leading to parliamentary demands for transparency.
Files reveal Prince Andrew's trade envoy role lacked vetting, prioritizing royal status over experience. Concerns rise post-Epstein scandal over systemic failure and optics over oversight in British diplomacy.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a "privilege motion" and accusations of misleading parliament over the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, echoing the scandals that led to Boris Johnson's resignation.
Global Counsel, the lobbying firm co-founded by Peter Mandelson, collapsed in February owing £4.54m to creditors including £645,789 to HM Revenue and Customs. The firm's collapse on 20 February happened three days before Mandelson was arrested by police over allegations he passed sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein. The firm had suffered a significant financial impact as customers cut ties amid pressure over its association with the former Labour minister and US ambassador.
Global Counsel, the lobbying firm co-founded by Peter Mandelson, collapsed owing £4.54m to creditors including £645,789 to HM Revenue and Customs. The London-based firm went into administration on 20 February 2026, three days before Mandelson was arrested over allegations he passed sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein. The firm said it suffered significant financial impact after clients cut ties amid pressure over its association with the former Labour minister and US ambassador.
Keir Starmer dismissed claims of cabinet divisions over the Peter Mandelson vetting scandal and the sacking of Olly Robbins, emphasizing the government's focus on its agenda. Meanwhile, opposition MPs are calling for an inquiry into whether Starmer misled Parliament.
Cat Little testified that she delayed informing the Prime Minister about Peter Mandelson's vetting report to seek legal advice. The testimony highlights ongoing confusion regarding civil service procedures and communication between the Cabinet Office and Foreign Office.
Cat Little, Cabinet Office permanent secretary, will give evidence to MPs regarding the vetting of Peter Mandelson for ambassadorial clearance. The hearing follows controversy over Olly Robbins's sacking and the discovery of a recommendation against granting Mandelson clearance.
Whitehall officials are weighing up ‘unprecedented’ disclosure of documents in security clearance scandalStarmer did not gamble with national security over Mandelson, says ministerMinisters are under growing pressure to share the documents from Peter Mandelson’s vetting process with the parliamentary committee tasked with deciding if they should be made public.In February, MPs passed a binding parliamentary motion, known as a humble address, requiring the government to publish “all papers” relating to Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US. Continue reading...
