A senior British Foreign Office official has publicly disclosed concerns regarding former Labour politician Peter Mandelson's associations with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. In parliamentary testimony, Sir Philip Barton characterized the situation as a significant diplomatic and reputational challenge, using the term 'toxic hot potato' to describe the delicate nature of the matter. The revelation highlights ongoing scrutiny of high-profile figures' connections to Epstein's network and raises questions about institutional awareness and response protocols within government circles.

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