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Peter Mandelson, known for his resilience in politics, once famously stated, “I am a fighter not a quitter,” after retaining his Hartlepool seat in the 2001 election. Over the years, he staged several remarkable comebacks, serving as an EU commissioner, then as business secretary and effective deputy prime minister under Gordon Brown in 2009, and finally as the UK’s ambassador to Washington in 2025. However, his dismissal from the ambassadorial post is widely regarded as a definitive end to his political career.
Recent revelations have brought new scrutiny to Lord Mandelson’s time in office, particularly his links to the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Earlier debates centered on the suitability of Mandelson maintaining a relationship with Epstein, but the latest disclosures raise serious concerns about his conduct while minister. Specifically, questions are being asked about whether he shared sensitive government information with a foreign financier during his tenure as business secretary in 2009 and 2010. This is considered a significant allegation, irrespective of Epstein’s crimes.
The calls for an investigation have come from multiple quarters, including the SNP, Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, and even some members of Mandelson’s own Labour Party, who suggest that his actions warrant criminal inquiry. Notably, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown expressed his shock at the fresh details and urged for a thorough and transparent inquiry within Whitehall, insisting that the results be made public. Meanwhile, Lord Mandelson has been invited to comment on these developments.
The unfolding situation places the current prime minister in a difficult position. Opposition leaders have pressured Sir Keir Starmer to initiate an inquiry into Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the United States. The prime minister responded by announcing an urgent investigation into Mandelson’s associations with Epstein from his ministerial period. Intriguingly, Gordon Brown had previously requested a similar inquiry last September, which reportedly found no incriminating evidence. This history of inquiries may deepen criticism from opposition parties and factions within Labour that Starmer has been slow to act.
When Mandelson was dismissed from his ambassadorial role last September, Downing Street cited the previously unknown depth of his relationship with Epstein as the reason. Yet, the new revelations suggest there were details not uncovered before his appointment, raising continuing questions about the vetting process. Since Starmer did not approve Mandelson’s diplomatic role, the emerging scandal might not directly implicate him politically. However, with hindsight, Sir Keir may well regret not taking stronger action against a figure who once proclaimed he would never quit
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