• Documents reveal Keir Starmer was warned of "reputational risks" in appointing Mandelson as US ambassador.
• Mandelson has faced allegations of misconduct in office and has been arrested.
• The government plans to release further documents as police investigations continue.
• Starmer has publicly expressed regret over the appointment, stating Mandelson created a "litany of deceit."
• Opposition calls for Starmer's resignation intensify amid the growing scandal.

Documents released by the UK government have confirmed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer was advised of the "reputational risks" associated with appointing Peter Mandelson as the US ambassador due to his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This disclosure comes amid increasing political pressure on Starmer regarding his judgment, especially after revelations of Mandelson's previous associations with Epstein were made public in January 2026, as reported by the Reuters, India Times, and Le Monde.

The documents, which span over 100 pages, indicate that concerns regarding Mandelson were formally raised in December 2024, suggesting that officials viewed the relationship as problematic due to its implications for diplomatic trust, particularly during Donald Trump's presidency. Starmer's decision to appoint Mandelson, despite these warnings, has come under scrutiny, intensifying calls for his resignation from several opposition members and even within his own Labour Party, according to South China Morning Post and Los Angeles Times.

Mandelson has since been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, having allegedly shared sensitive government documents with Epstein during his tenure, which adds further controversy to Starmer's decision. The prime minister has expressed regret for allowing Mandelson's appointment, citing a series of substantial deceptions regarding the extent of their relationship, as highlighted by the documents released on March 11, according to Al Jazeera and Dawn.

Starmer's administration has committed to disclosing additional documents in the future as investigations by police continue. These files are expected to provide deeper insights into the appointment process, including the pivotal decision-making stages leading to Mandelson's role as ambassador, and further clarity on the extent of his ties to Epstein, as mentioned in reports by Al Jazeera and Los Angeles Times.