The Prime Minister initially refused twice to say whether he was aware of the relationship, after simple questions from the Tory leader.

Ms Badenoch opened PMQs by asking: "The political decision to appoint Epstein's close associate Peter Mandelson as ambassador in Washington goes to the very heart of this PM’s judgement. When he made that appointment, was he aware that Mandelson had continued his association even after Epstein’s conviction for child prostitution?"

Keir Starmer said Mr Mandelson had "lied repeatedly to my team when asked about his relationship with Epstein", but it took two more attempts to get a straight answer from the Prime Minister.

Ms Badenoch blasted: "The Prime Minister cannot blame the process! He did know, it was on Google! If the Conservative Research Department could find this information out, why couldn't No. 10? I am asking the Prime Minister something very specific - not about the generalities of the full extent - can the PM tell us did the official security vetting he received mention Mandelson's ongoing relationship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein?"

Sir Keir eventually confessed: "Yes it did... as a result various questions were put to him. Time and time again Mandelson completely misrepresented the extent of his relationship with Epstein and lied throughout the process, including in the response to the due diligence."

Ms Badenoch branded Sir Keir's response "shocking".

This is breaking news. More to come...