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.

Sir Keir Starmer faces a motion to refer him to the Privileges Committee over the way he handled Peter Mandelson’s appointment (Cark Court/PA)

The former senior civil servant, who stood down as permanent under-secretary to the Foreign Office in January 2025, gave evidence to the influential cross-party committee of MPs ahead of a critical day for the British PM in Parliament over the scandal around Mr Mandelson’s appointment.

Mr Starmer has urged Labour backbenchers to “stand together” against the motion to refer him to the Privileges Committee over claims he misled the Commons about the way the former US ambassador’s appointment was handled.

Mr Barton told the committee there was no substance to allegations the prime minister’s former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney had sworn at him while urging for the process of appointing Mr Mandelson to move faster.

He also told MPs the “normal order” for ambassadorial appointments was for vetting to be completed before an announcement, contradicting claims by the Government.

- Press Association