Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Cabinet Secretary’s review into matters relating to Lord Mandelson will include consideration of any introductions made during his time as a Minister that were subsequently relevant to applications to the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments; and whether the review will assess the adequacy and completeness of the information provided in connection with applications.

The former Cabinet Secretary was asked to review available information regarding Peter Mandelson’s contacts with Jeffrey Epstein during his period as a Minister. After an initial review of some documents, the matter was referred to the police. In light of the ongoing criminal investigation that was announced, that review has now been paused. The government is cooperating fully with the police investigation and providing any assistance required.