PREVIEW

Starmer Warned Of Mandelson’s Epstein ‘Reputational Risk’. Sir Keir Starmer was warned that Lord Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein posed a “reputational risk” before confirming him as the UK’s ambassador to the United States. Newly released government documents show officials advised that Mandelson had remained in contact with Epstein even after the financier’s 2008 conviction for procuring an underage girl. The files are the first batch of documents published about Mandelson’s appointment. Treasury minister Darren Jones said the government’s due diligence process had “fallen short”, adding that steps have now been taken to fix weaknesses in the system. The documents also suggest Mandelson explored the possibility of receiving a severance payment worth more than £500,000 after he was dismissed from the role. However, the Treasury ultimately approved a payment of £75,000. The BBC understands Mandelson disputes parts of the claim and says he quickly accepted the final sum. He was removed as ambassador last September after new details emerged about the extent of his links to Epstein, with more documents expected to be released in the coming months.
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