DEVELOPING: PM Questioned Mandelson About Epstein Ties Before Appointment

Breaking News: PM Questioned Mandelson About Epstein Ties Before Appointment Sir Keir Starmer asked Lord Peter Mandelson about his links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein before appointing him as UK ambassador to the US, according to sources. The prime minister grilled Mandelson with three questions during vetting for the role. This revelation comes amid growing scrutiny over what Sir Keir knew about Mandelson's friendship with Epstein before his appointment. Mandelson was sacked on Thursday after a cache of emails revealed he sent supportive messages to Epstein after the financier pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution. Mandelson's friendship with Epstein was known at the time, but Downing Street claimed new information only came to light this week. The Labour peer has declined to comment. The prime minister's questioning of Mandelson raises questions about the thoroughness of the vetting process for senior appointments. This is a developing story as more details emerge. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Bbc.*