An investigation from The Guardian revealed that Peter Mandelson, a former British ambassador to the United States, failed security vetting clearance — however, the failure was overruled so he could take the position. This follows the news from September 2025, in which Mandelson was fired over leaked emails that revealed a connection to Jeffrey Epstein. 

Multiple sources stated Mandelson was denied clearance in January 2025 after failing a screening conducted by security professionals. Keir Starmer had already announced Mandelson’s appointment, and so officials at the Foreign Office decided to overrule the concerns of the security team. 

Downing Street released a statement confirming The Guardian’s story, but stressed that the prime minister was unaware of Mandelson’s failed security vetting and the responsibility for this matter belonged to the  Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Lawmakers voted to compel Starmer’s government to send all documents related to Mandelson’s appointment. One such document reportedly revealed political advisers warned Starmer against appointing Mandelson, citing the “general reputational risk” that could follow considering Mandelson’s link to Epstein. 

Mandelson was arrested in February due to accusations that he had shared confidential government data with Epstein in the late 2000s. He was later released.