Minister Admits Govt Knew of Epstein Risk But Appointed Mandelson Anyway

A government minister has candidly admitted that Downing Street was aware of the political risks associated with Peter Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein but proceeded with his appointment as US ambassador regardless. Business Secretary Peter Kyle confirmed that “a lot was known” and that this information was “weighed up” against his diplomatic experience.
In a frank acknowledgment of the government’s thinking, Kyle said a decision was made that “the risk of appointing knowing what was already public was worth the risk.” He cited the unprecedented challenges in the UK-US relationship as the primary reason for taking a chance on the controversial peer, praising his “outstanding, singular talents.”
This defense is now collapsing under the weight of new revelations. The publication of emails, in which Mandelson advised Epstein on early release from prison, has demonstrated that the government’s risk assessment was based on incomplete information, making the initial decision look reckless in hindsight.
The admission that known character concerns were deliberately set aside for perceived political gain is at the heart of the criticism now being leveled at the government. It suggests a culture where talent is prioritized over judgment, a calculation that has resulted in a significant and damaging political scandal.