Peter Mandelson was reportedly appointed as the US Ambassador despite not passing his security vetting clearance. The former peer faced denial of clearance in January last year following a thorough examination by security officials. The UK Security Vetting (UKSV), responsible for overseeing critical appointments, declined to grant Mandelson clearance during the pre-appointment process, as per The Guardian.
This decision came after Keir Starmer announced Mandelson’s role as the UK’s ‘Trump whisperer’. Allegedly, the Foreign Office intervened to override the UKSV’s rejection, a highly unusual move. It remains uncertain if the Prime Minister was informed, adding pressure on Starmer amidst mounting scrutiny over the appointment.
Mandelson’s dismissal in September last year came after the publication of emails shedding light on his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Government has pledged to disclose documents related to the controversial appointment, already releasing 147 pages with more to follow.
According to The Guardian, senior government officials are considering withholding documents that indicate Mandelson did not receive vetting approval. Documents are set to be shared with the Intelligence and Community Committee following a parliamentary motion demanding the submission of all papers concerning Mandelson’s appointment.
Resigning from the House of Lords earlier this year, Mandelson assumed the ambassador role in February 2025 but served only seven months. In January, additional documents from the US Department of Justice’s Epstein files were unveiled, suggesting Mandelson leaked sensitive information to the billionaire financier.
Following an arrest in February on suspicion of public office misconduct, Mandelson remains on bail. During his appointment, David Lammy was the Foreign Secretary, and Sir Olly Robbins held a prominent position in the Foreign Office. Starmer’s former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned in February due to his involvement in the process.
In a letter to the foreign affairs committee, current Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Sir Olly stated that the vetting process was conducted by UK Security Vetting on behalf of the FCDO, resulting in DV clearance granted by the FCDO before Mandelson assumed his position in February. The letter omitted any reference to Mandelson failing the UKSV’s vetting procedure.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Prime Minister for allegedly misleading Parliament regarding the appointment process. The Mirror has reached out to No10, the Foreign Office, the Cabinet Office, and Mandelson’s representatives for comment.
