Morgan McSweeney Admits "Serious Mistake" Recommending Lord Mandelson for US Ambassador Role
Morgan McSweeney, formerly the Prime Minister's chief of staff, admitted to MPs on the Foreign Affairs Committee that his recommendation of Lord Mandelson for the US ambassadorial position constituted a "serious mistake". McSweeney, who departed Downing Street in February following the controversy, initially believed Lord Mandelson's experience as an EU trade envoy would facilitate a US trade agreement.
Epstein Revelations Undermine Appointment
However, McSweeney explained that subsequent revelations regarding Lord Mandelson's friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein caused him to realise he had not received the "full truth" concerning their association. He described the moment these details emerged as being "like a knife through my soul", stating the nature of the relationship was "way, way, way worse" than he had understood.
The appointment of Lord Mandelson has been a persistent issue for the Prime Minister. Renewed scrutiny arose after it emerged the Foreign Office granted security clearance despite objections from vetting officials. McSweeney denied instructing the Foreign Office to fast-track security checks "at all costs" but acknowledged Downing Street sought to expedite the process for Lord Mandelson to be in post by Donald Trump's inauguration.
Lord Mandelson was ultimately removed from his ambassadorial role in September 2025 after further information surfaced regarding the extent of his relationship with Epstein, including photographs and supportive emails sent in 2008. McSweeney maintained that if Downing Street had been aware of any vetting problems, the appointment would have been withdrawn. He also rejected accusations of pushing for the appointment due to personal friendship, stating the Prime Minister considered a "wide range of views" before making the decision.
