Ex-FCDO chief tells MPs he had concerns over Mandelson’s Epstein links
Summary
The former Foreign Office chief, Sir Philip Barton, told UK MPs he was worried about Peter Mandelson’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein during Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US. Barton said there was strong pressure from Downing Street to complete vetting quickly, but he had no chance to raise his concerns or stop the appointment.Key Facts
- Sir Philip Barton was the Foreign Office permanent secretary until January.
- Barton was concerned about Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein, a controversial figure in US politics.
- Downing Street pressured for a fast vetting process before announcing Mandelson’s appointment.
- Barton was not informed about Mandelson’s appointment until a day before it was made public.
- Barton said normal vetting happens before the appointment announcement, which did not occur here.
- The national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, shared Barton’s worries about the Epstein connection.
- Barton said there was no way for him to express concerns or advise against Mandelson’s appointment.
- The Cabinet Office decided Mandelson was a “fit and proper person” and did not require full vetting.
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