Lord Peter Mandelson was awarded a severance package of approximately £70,000 when he was dismissed as Britain’s ambassador to Washington last year, exceeding what he was contractually entitled to.
About half of the payout was discretionary, intended to reduce acrimony surrounding his departure. The role typically carries a salary of £155,000, with Mandelson legally entitled to just three months’ salary in lieu of notice.
Mandelson’s sacking followed scrutiny over his links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Metropolitan Police are investigating him for alleged misconduct in public office. Downing Street is preparing for political fallout as documents on his appointment are released, though only a fraction will be made public initially to avoid interfering with ongoing investigations.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced pressure from parliament to publish the documents, following a “humble address” motion filed by the Conservatives demanding transparency. Ministers and advisers anticipate intense criticism, particularly over Mandelson receiving sensitive documents before completing his formal vetting process.
Further documents are expected in a second tranche after the first release, with ongoing review by the Cabinet Office and the parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee for potential national security redactions.
