Newspaper Round Up: 12th of March 2026
Times Front Page 12th of March 2026
10:21 pm
Files indicate the PM proceeded with appointing Lord Mandelson despite warnings from a senior aide and an outgoing ambassador about reputational risk, citing the peer’s past association with Jeffrey Epstein. A memo said Starmer’s personal links to Mandelson left him “more exposed.”
Daily Mail Front Page 12th of March 2026
10:11 pm
The PM faces scrutiny for authorising a £75k severance for Peter Mandelson after his dismissal over ties to a disgraced financier. Newly released papers warn of reputational risk. Opponents say the decision shows poor judgement, urging Labour MPs to act.
Financial Times Front Page 12th of March 2026
9:52 pm
An aide warned the PM that appointing Peter Mandelson to a Washington post posed reputational risk, after a short vetting file flagged past links to Jeffrey Epstein. The process was seen as rushed. Supporters cite his experience; critics question transparency and due diligence.
Guardian Front Page 12th of March 2026
9:51 pm
Newly released documents say the PM was warned that appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador posed a reputational risk because of his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Officials cited concerns over continuing contact after Epstein’s conviction and payment terms. The appointment went ahead.
Daily Mirror Front Page 12th of March 2026
9:33 pm
Documents reportedly show Peter Mandelson sought over £500k in compensation from public funds after being removed from a role due to links with a financier later convicted of abuse; he ultimately received about £75k.
Daily Express Front Page 12th of March 2026
9:27 pm
Files indicate the PM was warned of a reputational risk before appointing Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, citing his links to Jeffrey Epstein, yet the process was rushed. After dismissal, he received £75,000 severance; MPs now urge repayment, noting he had sought £500,000.
Daily Star Front Page 12th of March 2026
9:26 pm
Government files say Peter Mandelson sought a £547,000 payout after being removed from a diplomatic post. Papers also show officials had warned he posed a reputational risk to the PM. The claim has revived debate over severance expectations for political appointees.
i Front Page 12th of March 2026
9:21 pm
Files show Peter Mandelson accessed classified material before full clearance. The national security adviser called his appointment ‘weirdly rushed’. After dismissal he sought £550k but accepted £75k. The documents appear to contradict earlier No10 denials and raise questions over vetting.
Metro Front Page 12th of March 2026
8:54 pm
Documents reveal Lord Mandelson sought over £500k to leave after revelations about links to a disgraced financier. Officials negotiated the sum down to £75k, emails show, with ministers endorsing the compromise.
Independent Front Page 12th of March 2026
8:24 pm
Newly released papers say the PM was warned of reputational risk before appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, citing his links to a disgraced financier already convicted of offences. They add he sought a £500,000 payout after dismissal and was paid £75,000.