A furious Keir Starmer criticized Peter Mandelson today for repeatedly deceiving about his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while being considered for the position of US ambassador. Despite being informed by officials about Mandelson’s ongoing friendship with Epstein, the Prime Minister acknowledged appointing him to the role.
Downing Street is facing a scandal following new revelations about the Labour veteran, with MPs, led by Angela Rayner, pressuring for the disclosure of files regarding Mandelson’s appointment. Mandelson was dismissed in September due to his connections with Epstein, who passed away in 2019. Reports of his ties with Epstein post his 2008 conviction had surfaced before his appointment as ambassador in 2024.
The Metropolitan Police requested No10 not to release certain documents that could jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office. This request came after emails from the US indicated that Mandelson may have leaked sensitive information to Epstein during Gordon Brown’s administration.
During a tense Prime Minister’s Questions session, Starmer expressed his dismay over a Cabinet minister leaking crucial information during the 2008 financial crisis response. He condemned Mandelson for betraying the country, Parliament, and the party by lying about his relationship with Epstein.
The Prime Minister declared that Mandelson would lose his privileges as a privy councillor, and plans are underway to revoke his peerage. Starmer highlighted that the full extent of the association between Mandelson and Epstein was not disclosed, emphasizing that Mandelson had repeatedly lied throughout the process.
Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative leader, queried the PM about Mandelson’s continued friendship with Epstein post-conviction. The official security vetting mentioned Mandelson’s ongoing relationship with Epstein, leading to further inquiries.
A No10 source stated that reports linking Mandelson to Epstein had been investigated during the appointment process. Mandelson had misled the Prime Minister and concealed information that has now come to light, misrepresenting his relationship with Epstein.
Following approval of a motion, Downing Street announced compliance with the decision to publish documents related to Mandelson’s appointment, exposing the lies he had told. While MPs welcomed the move, some believed it was overdue, indicating ongoing tension within Parliament.
A Labour source expressed concern over the current atmosphere, likening it to walking on thin ice and a potential powder keg situation. Mandelson has refrained from public comments since the police investigation began but has maintained his innocence, denying any criminal intent and pledging cooperation with law enforcement.
