SIR Keir Starmer was last night accused of trying to “cling to power” after another delay to the publication of the Mandelson files.

The documents linked to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US Ambassador had been expected at the “earliest opportunity” after last week’s King’s Speech, raising hopes they could land as early as Thursday.

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Keir Starmer was accused of trying to ‘cling to power’ after another delay to the publication of the Mandelson files Credit: Getty

The documents linked to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US Ambassador had been expected at the ‘earliest opportunity’ after last week’s King’s Speech Credit: AP

But Downing Street yesterday refused to give a publication date, insisting only that officials were “continuing to work” with Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee to release the material “as swiftly as possible”.

It is understood they will now not be published until after Parliament is back from recess on June 1.

The delay comes after the ISC accused the Government of making redactions “far too broadly” and withholding documents it may not have the authority to suppress.

In a blistering intervention on Friday, the watchdog said ministers had blocked the release of a sensitive vetting file compiled by UK Security Vetting.

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That dossier reportedly advised against giving Lord Mandelson the developed vetting clearance needed for his Washington role – advice later overruled by ministers.

The PM’s spokesman yesterday repeatedly refused to deny reports some documents were being withheld from the process altogether, saying “I’m just not going to comment on individual reporting.”

Shadow Cabinet Office Minister Alex Burghart hit out: “This is yet another desperate attempt by Starmer to cling to power.

“While he barricades himself in Number 10, the Prime Minister continues to refuse to come clean about what he knew of Mandelson’s longstanding and inappropriate relationship with Epstein.

“It was the Conservatives who brought this issue to light, and we will continue to hold Labour to account until the full Mandelson–Epstein files are released.”