Mandelson also revealed his U.K. return date was set back because of delays in obtaining a veterinary certificate for his pet dog, Jock.

Mandelson’s positive views on Nigel Farage were flagged

A suggestion from Mandelson that Reform UK leader Nigel Farage could be used to improve U.S.-U.K. relations was flagged as another “reputational risk” for the government.

In the lengthy “reputational risks” section of the Cabinet Office’s due diligence checklist on Mandelson, carried out before his appointment, the ex-ambassador’s views on Farage are listed along with his links to Epstein.

“Has suggested using Nigel Farage to better U.K. connections with the Trump administration,” reads the vetting document, which was presented to Starmer on Dec. 11, 2024. 

It includes a quote from Mandelson while speaking on a Times Radio podcast in November 2024 — and noted that his position contradicted the Labour government’s stance.

It goes on: “Mandelson quoted saying of Farage, contrary to [U.K. government] policy: ‘You can’t ignore him, he’s an elected member of parliament. He’s a public figure. He’s a bridgehead, both to President Trump and to Elon Musk and others … National interest is served in all sorts of weird and wonderful ways.’”

Mandelson never appeared to involve Farage, the leader of the right-wing Reform UK and one of Trump’s closest allies in the U.K., in his efforts to build ties once appointed.

Trump did not try to block Mandelson as envoy

Donald Trump’s team did not raise any major objections over Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador, the documents suggest.

An email from Olly Robbins, the top civil servant at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, to Downing Street in January 2025 outlined that Karen Pierce, the outgoing ambassador, had spoken to Trump’s then-national security adviser, Mike Waltz, and there was “no suggestion that Peter’s nomination was an issue” with Trump.

Robbins added he would proceed with arranging an audience with the King for Mandelson — part of the official initiation process.

It’s previously been reported that Trump, who invited Pierce as a guest to the banquet held in his honor at last year’s State Visit, wanted her to remain in post. 

PM’s comms chief was ‘satisfied’ over Epstein link responses

Starmer’s former Director of Communications, Matthew Doyle, was said to be “satisfied” with Peter Mandelson’s responses when questioned about his contact with Epstein, the documents suggest.