Ex-FCDO chief tells MPs he had concerns over Mandelson’s Epstein links
Morgan McSweeney testified before MPs regarding the expedited appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington. He acknowledged pressuring officials to act quickly but denied any improper actions in the vetting process. McSweeney expressed regret over not fully understanding Mandelson's connections with Jeffrey Epstein before the appointment was made.
- ▪Morgan McSweeney admitted to pressuring Foreign Office officials to expedite Peter Mandelson's appointment.
- ▪He denied that any steps in the security vetting process were skipped during this expedited process.
- ▪McSweeney expressed regret for not fully understanding Mandelson's connections with Jeffrey Epstein before the appointment.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Morgan McSweeney answering questions at the foreign affairs committee hearing on Tuesday. Photograph: PRU/AFP/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenMorgan McSweeney answering questions at the foreign affairs committee hearing on Tuesday. Photograph: PRU/AFP/Getty ImagesMorgan McSweeneyMcSweeney admits pressuring Foreign Office to expedite Mandelson roleStarmer’s former chief of staff says he asked people to act quickly but not to skip steps in vetting processPippa Crerar and Jessica Elgot Tue 28 Apr 2026 09.45 EDTFirst published on Tue 28 Apr 2026 05.38 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleMorgan McSweeney has admitted that Foreign Office officials came under intense pressure to expedite Peter Mandelson’s posting as UK ambassador to Washington, but denied they were forced to “skip steps” in…
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