Second batch of Mandelson papers set to be published before Christmas

The government is set to release additional documents regarding the controversial appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States. Previously, several groups of papers were disclosed in March and June; however, some documents were withheld due to their relevance to an ongoing Metropolitan Police investigation.

According to the Cabinet Office, more records will be published, likely ahead of the Christmas break, though certain materials will remain confidential at the request of the police. Cat Little, the permanent secretary at the Cabinet Office, remarked that some documents “could now be published without prejudicing their investigation.” This indicates a partial lifting of restrictions as the police probe progresses.

The investigation by the Metropolitan Police involves allegations that Lord Mandelson, while serving as a government minister, passed sensitive government information to the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Lord Mandelson was arrested on 23 February on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Despite the arrest, he has maintained his innocence, insisting he did not commit any criminal acts or act for personal gain, and has cooperated with investigators.

The Cabinet Office has begun preparing the remaining documents for publication, as noted in a letter from Little to the chair of Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee. She added that some documents might be redacted to protect national security or international diplomatic interests. This process is expected to conclude before Parliament adjourns for the Christmas recess on 17 December. Lord Mandelson’s appointment was the subject of intense scrutiny after he was dismissed in September following revelations about the scope of his relationship with Epstein. His appointment, made when Sir Keir Starmer’s government was in power, drew heavy criticism, culminating in an MP vote in February that compelled the government to publish related papers. Shadow Cabinet Office Minister Mike Wood commented on the matter, saying, “We still haven’t got to the bottom of the Mandelson scandal. Labour did their utmost to hold this information back and it was only released because of the Conservatives humble address.