Conservative politician Kemi Badenoch is planning to use a parliamentary procedure known as a "humble address" to force the government to release vetting files regarding Peter Mandelson. The move comes as Mandelson faces scrutiny over his past links to Jeffrey Epstein prior to his potential appointment as the UK ambassador to the United States.

Labour MPs have signaled they will not block the motion. If passed, the government would be required to hand over all relevant communications, including emails, WhatsApp messages, and texts. These documents could show exactly what Prime Minister Keir Starmer, his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, and senior diplomat Oliver Robbins were told about the appointment.

The Metropolitan Police have already opened a criminal investigation into claims that Mandelson leaked internal Downing Street emails and sensitive market information to Epstein. Following these allegations, Mandelson resigned his seat in the House of Lords.

The humble address aims to uncover several key documents: the official background checks sent to No 10, Mandelson’s conflict of interest declarations, and security vetting files, including records related to his strategic advisory firm, Global Counsel. Additionally, Badenoch has called on Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald to interview Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden to determine what they knew about the situation.