Foreign Office reviews Lord Mandelson’s payout after sacking as US ambassador
A payout handed to Lord Mandelson after his dismissal from the role of US ambassador is under review by the Foreign Office, following revelations about his connections to the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, reports BritPanorama.
The former Labour peer was reportedly granted a five-figure, taxpayer-funded exit payment worth tens of thousands of pounds despite being sacked from his position. The payment, which he received in September 2024, could amount to approximately £55,000, as indicated by multiple reports.
In light of the recent Epstein files disclosure, which featured a photograph of Mandelson in compromised circumstances, the Metropolitan Police have initiated a criminal investigation. This investigation stems from allegations that he passed confidential information to Epstein while serving as Business Secretary.
The Foreign Office’s review was announced amidst calls for Mandelson to return the payment or donate it to a charity aiding Epstein’s victims. Negotiations between Mandelson’s legal team and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office purportedly extended over several weeks after his departure.
Allies of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who appointed Mandelson, have faced scrutiny, with Starmer himself experiencing renewed pressure to resign over the controversy. Following a parliamentary decision, full details regarding Mandelson’s payout are expected to be disclosed, emphasizing the scrutiny around financial transactions linked to public officials.
In an atmosphere thick with political tension, an insider remarked, “The end is coming — it’s just a question of which straw will break the camel’s back.” As the situation unfolds, the fallout from Mandelson’s appointment and subsequent dismissal could have far-reaching implications for the current administration and its handling of integrity in public service.
Ultimately, the review of Mandelson’s payment underscores a growing demand for accountability within public office, particularly regarding decisions that involve taxpayer funds in the wake of serious allegations.
