"Jennifer McKiernanPolitical reporter Reuters Civil service bosses have told MPs that Lord Mandelson, who was sacked as UK ambassador to the US due to close links with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, was never formally interviewed for the job. The head of the civil service, Sir Chris Wormald, said there was no interview because Lord Mandelson was directly appointed to the role. MPs heard that process meant Lord Mandelson was not directly asked about any conflict of interest with interviewers in person,"
"Lord Mandelson replaced career diplomat Dame Karen Pierce in Washington DC in December 2024, when Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer decided he was the best candidate to build links with the newly-elected Trump administration. Concern around Lord Mandelson's friendship with Epstein were raised at the time, but his ability to deal with President Trump, as well as his ability as a networker and seasoned political operator, was seen as a valuable asset."
Lord Mandelson was directly appointed as UK ambassador to the US and did not undergo a formal, in-person interview. The appointment process relied on a written form focused more on potential financial conflicts than on personal conflicts. The posting replaced career diplomat Dame Karen Pierce in Washington in December 2024 after Prime Minister Keir Starmer prioritized Mandelson's ability to build links with the newly elected Trump administration. Initial concern about Mandelson's friendship with Jeffrey Epstein existed but was outweighed by his networking and political skills. Published emails showing supportive messages to Epstein led to his dismissal and prompted changes to require formal, minuted interviews.
Read at www.bbc.com
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