Morgan McSweeney admits serious mistake in advising Mandelson's US ambassador appointment
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Apr 28
Morgan McSweeney admits serious mistake in advising Mandelson's US ambassador appointment
7 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Apr 28
McSweeney, former chief of staff to the prime minister, told MPs he misjudged Lord Mandelson's suitability after new evidence of Mandelson's close ties to Jeffrey Epstein surfaced.
He revealed that Mandelson was sacked as ambassador in September 2025 after photos and emails showed deeper involvement with Epstein than previously disclosed, contradicting Mandelson's earlier statements.
McSweeney denied Downing Street pressured officials to bypass security vetting, though he acknowledged urgency to have Mandelson in post for Trump's inauguration. The Cabinet Office had flagged reputational risks before the appointment.
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