More Mandelson appointment papers expected before Christmas

The government is preparing to publish another batch of documents about Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the United States, with the process expected to finish before Parliament’s Christmas recess on 17 December.

The Cabinet Office said some documents previously held back because of a Metropolitan Police investigation can now be released. Others will remain withheld at the police’s request. The documents will be reviewed and may be redacted to protect national security or international relations, permanent secretary Cat Little told Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee.

Papers were published in March and June after MPs voted in February to compel the government to release documents relating to Mandelson’s appointment. The police investigation concerns allegations that Mandelson passed market-sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a minister.

Mandelson was arrested on 23 February on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has said he believes he did not act criminally or for personal gain, and is cooperating with police. The Metropolitan Police said its investigation is ongoing.

Mandelson became ambassador in February 2025 and was dismissed in September, after Downing Street said new information had emerged about the extent of his relationship with Epstein. Conservative shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood said the release was necessary to get to the bottom of the matter and accused Labour of trying to withhold information.