The UK government will publish the first batch of documents on the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as Washington ambassador.

LONDON: The UK government is due to publish the first tranche of documents relating to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington.

The release could renew pressure on Starmer, who has faced questions about his judgement over the late 2024 decision.

Government minister Darren Jones said a “big number” of files would be released, although they are expected to be a fraction of the documents set for disclosure to parliament.

Lawmakers last month ordered the Labour government to release tens of thousands of emails, messages and documents on how Mandelson was vetted for the role.

Starmer has insisted that Mandelson “lied repeatedly” to officials about the extent of his friendship with the late convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The prime minister has also admitted that he knew Mandelson maintained a relationship with Epstein after the financier’s 2008 conviction.

Mandelson, a former Labour spin doctor, was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

He is being investigated over allegations he sent sensitive documents to Epstein when he was a government minister.

Starmer sacked Mandelson as ambassador in September last year after a US Congressional committee revealed new details about his ties to Epstein.

The scandal unleashed a political storm, with two of Starmer’s top aides resigning and the prime minister facing calls to resign.

Starmer has apologised to Epstein’s victims for the appointment.

 The Sun Malaysia