What did Morgan McSweeney and Philip Barton tell MPs about Mandelson’s vetting?
Morgan McSweeney and Philip Barton testified before a select committee regarding the vetting process of Peter Mandelson as the US ambassador. Both expressed concerns about Mandelson's connections to Jeffrey Epstein, with McSweeney admitting that advising the prime minister on Mandelson's appointment was a serious error in judgment. The committee hearing revealed pressures within the government to expedite Mandelson's appointment despite the vetting process.
- ▪McSweeney and Barton had concerns about Mandelson's connections to Epstein.
- ▪Barton felt pressure to expedite Mandelson's appointment before Trump's inauguration.
- ▪McSweeney admitted that advising the prime minister to appoint Mandelson was a serious error of judgment.
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McSweeney and Barton both had concerns about Mandelson’s Epstein connections. Composite: Parliament TVView image in fullscreenMcSweeney and Barton both had concerns about Mandelson’s Epstein connections. Composite: Parliament TVMorgan McSweeneyWhat did Morgan McSweeney and Philip Barton tell MPs about Mandelson’s vetting?Key takeaways from appearance at select committee of PM’s former chief of staff and former Foreign Office chiefJessica Elgot Deputy political editorTue 28 Apr 2026 09.35 EDTLast modified on Tue 28 Apr 2026 21.31 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleMorgan McSweeney, the prime minister’s former chief of staff, gave his first public appearance at a high-stakes hearing of the foreign affairs select committee to be grilled on the appointment – and vetting – of the disgraced…
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