Mandelson files: PM should refer himself to ethics adviser over potentially misleading Parliament

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Mandelson files: PM should refer himself to ethics adviser over potentially misleading Parliament

The Liberal Democrats have called on Keir Starmer to refer himself to the ethics adviser for potential misleading Parliament over Peter Mandelson’s vetting before he was appointed as US Ambassador.

Keir Starmer repeatedly told Parliament in September 2025 that “full due process was followed” during Mandelson’s appointment.

However, since then it has emerged in the Mandelson files published by the government that the National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell believed Mandelson’s appointment was 'weirdly rushed'. The files also reveal that Mandelson was given top level briefings before his vetting was finished.

Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokesperson Lisa Smart said:

“This is an appalling scandal that seems to get worse by the day.

“The Prime Minister not only shown a catastrophic lack of judgment over Mandelson’s appointment., the evidence is mounting that he misled Parliament

“Keir Starmer must refer himself to the independent ethics adviser to determine whether he breached the ministerial code.

“He promised to clean up politics after years of Conservative sleaze and scandal, now he must lead by example.”

ENDS