Today in Focus The sacking of Peter Mandelson – Today in Focus extra
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Sep 11, 2025 Kieran Stacey, Policy Editor for The Guardian, delves into the dramatic sacking of Peter Mandelson, the British ambassador to the US, highlighting his controversial ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Stacey discusses how this scandal affects political accountability and the leadership of Keir Starmer. He examines Mandelson's tumultuous legacy and its implications for the Labour Party's reputation. Additionally, the conversation touches on the vetting process for political appointments and the ongoing challenges faced by the government in the wake of public scandals.
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Depth Of Mandelson–Epstein Friendship
- New documents revealed a much deeper, ongoing friendship between Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein than previously known.
- The material included photos and a gushing birthday note that shifted public perception of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein.
Birthday Book Message Reveals Intimacy
- Ghislaine Maxwell's birthday-book message described Mandelson as a "best pal" who "parachuted" into her life and shared "glorious homes".
- Those warm, informal lines and photos made the friendship appear intimate and prolonged.
Trying To Pre-empt Reporting Backfired
- Mandelson tried to pre-empt reporting by speaking to The Sun after Bloomberg told him they had a large file of messages.
- His attempt to get ahead of the story failed when Bloomberg published the material anyway.
