Starmer knew risks of ‘toxic, hot potato’ Epstein to Mandelson, says ex-mandarin

The former civil servant gave evidence to the influential cross-party committee of MPs

Former Foreign Office permanent under-secretary  Philip Barton appearing before the Foreign Affairs Committee (House of Commons/UK Parliament)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer knew of the risks that Peter Mandelson’s relationship with “toxic, hot potato” Jeffrey Epstein could have, and proceeded with the peer’s appointment as US ambassador, the former top civil servant at the Foreign Office has said.

Philip Barton also told the Commons’ Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) that there was not a “dismissive” attitude towards getting Mr Mandelson high-level security clearance for the role, but said No 10 was “uninterested” about the developed vetting (DV) process, and wanted it done before Donald Trump’s inauguration.