Good news for paperwork lovers: the government released the first 147 pages from the mountain of files tied to Peter Mandelson’s brief stint as the UK’s ambassador to Washington. Bad news for Mandelson fans: the files raise as many questions as they answer. Mandelson denies wrongdoing and his lawyers say he will not be commenting further.

1. He tried to negotiate a much bigger payoff than the one he got

The documents show Mandelson initially asked for a huge severance number: £547,000, which would have equalled his full ambassadorial pay. That never happened. Instead he was paid a total of £75,000, split into three months’ notice of £40,330 plus a "termination payment" of £34,670.

The files say he took advice from a senior employment law barrister and believed three months’ notice was not enough, arguing the situation had damaged his future employability. Downing Street defended the payment by saying it was cheaper to settle than face an employment tribunal.

2. Starmer knew about Mandelson’s links to Epstein

One section makes clear that the prime minister was aware Mandelson had maintained contact with Jeffrey Epstein after Epstein’s 2008 conviction. The vetting summary warned of a "general reputational risk" from those ties, along with concerns about Mandelson’s business connections and the fact he had resigned twice before as a minister.

So none of this was a surprise to No 10. What is notable is seeing it set out in a formal due diligence note.

3. Sensitive briefings were offered before vetting finished

Emails show the Foreign Office told Mandelson he would receive confidential briefings from 6 January, even though the vetting process was not expected to finish until the end of January. The job package included a phone, laptop and tablet, and a plan for higher-tier briefings from early January.

In short, access to sensitive material was on the table before the paperwork was officially wrapped.

4. Some senior officials were uneasy

There are internal notes showing senior figures raised eyebrows about how quickly the appointment was pushed through. Former national security adviser Jonathan Powell described the process as "weirdly rushed." A memo records Powell flagged reputation concerns to the prime minister’s chief of staff, who replied that the issues had been dealt with.

The impression from the files is of a political push from Downing Street and the Foreign Office, with at least one senior civil servant registering private doubts.

5. Mandelson himself appears only briefly and mostly about logistics

"My chief concern is leaving the US and arriving in the UK with the maximum dignity and minimum media intrusion."

There is only one document in the bundle in Mandelson’s own words. It is a practical note about travel dates and even includes a request to coordinate around veterinary clearance for his collie, Jock. The tone is more about personal dignity and timing than politics.

6. The missing part: what Mandelson told No 10 about Epstein

Probably the most important absences are the detailed notes of what Mandelson said during vetting about his Epstein connections. Officials say those notes were meant to be included, but they have been withheld at the Metropolitan Police’s request. The force believes the material could be relevant to its ongoing inquiry into alleged misconduct in public office.

So we have a lot of paper, a lot of context, and a very conspicuous blank where some answers should be.

So what now?

  • These 147 pages are likely the start, not the end. The full trove may be much larger.
  • Key missing material is being held back for police reasons, which means public scrutiny will be partial until that changes.
  • Politically, the files confirm Starmer knew some of the reputational risks but the debate will be about whether the handling of the appointment was appropriate.

In short: the files offer neat soundbites and a few surprises, but also a big hole in the middle. We do not yet know exactly what Mandelson told the prime minister’s office about Epstein. Until the police finish their work, the next chapter is likely to be slow, procedural and full of carefully worded statements.