Lord Mandelson’s “singular talents” meant he was deemed “worth the risk” by Number 10 despite his known relationship with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, a minister has said.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said there was a two-stage vetting process for Mandelson before he took on the role of ambassador to the US.

Sir Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure from his own MPs to answer what he knew of Mandelson’s relationship with the disgraced financier amid fresh revelations that he was told months ago that the association posed potential diplomatic and reputation risks.

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Mandelson’s talents meant he was ‘worth the risk’

Lord Mandelson’s “sing

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