PM: I would never have appointed Mandelson had I known full Epstein links

In a surprising statement, the Prime Minister has revealed that had they known about the full extent of Lord Mandelson's links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, they would not have appointed him as US ambassador. The PM emphasized that a thorough due diligence process was carried out before the appointment, but the information regarding Mandelson's connections to Epstein was not fully disclosed at the time. The statement comes amidst growing public concerns over the government's vetting procedures and the potential risks posed by individuals with ties to controversial figures. The Prime Minister has promised to review the appointment process and to ensure that any future appointments are subject to the highest levels of scrutiny and transparency. The news has sparked a wider debate about the importance of transparency and accountability in public office, as well as the need for robust measures to prevent the appointment of individuals with questionable associations or backgrounds.