The scandal surrounding Peter Mandelson and his association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has prompted questions about the process that led to Mandelson becoming the UK’s US ambassador.

Candidates are vetted for ambassadorial roles, but the decision to appoint is taken by the government.

The prime minister has indicated that the process needs to change in the wake of fresh claims about Mandelson, who was sacked from the post in September 2025.

Files released in the US contain emails which appear to suggest he forwarded on market-sensitive information to Epstein when he was business secretary under then PM Gordon Brown in 2009.

The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office. The BBC understands Mandelson’s position is that he has not acted in any way criminally and that he was not motivated by financial gain.

He has previously expressed his regret at continuing his relationship with Epstein after his 2008 conviction and apologised to his victims.

The BBC’s Analysis Editor Ros Atkins has more.

Produced by Katerina Karelli. Graphics by Jacqueline Galvin.