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Key members within Sir Keir Starmer’s administration are preparing to submit extensive records of their electronic communications with Lord Mandelson as investigations advance concerning his appointment as the UK’s ambassador to the United States. This ongoing controversy escalated after Sir Keir issued a public apology to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, acknowledging that he had been misled by Lord Mandelson and regretting the decision to appoint him despite Mandelson’s known association with the convicted sex offender.
The prime minister’s efforts to calm the mounting backlash have not quelled internal dissent, with several Labour MPs openly demanding that he resign. The situation has become more charged following remarks from a former Downing Street communications director, who warned that the release of private messages could implicate additional public figures in the scandal. James Lyons emphasized the severity of the matter during an interview on BBC Newsnight, stating, “I don’t think anyone can understate the gravity of the situation” and likening the unfolding revelations to the scale of the 2009 expenses scandal.
Lord Mandelson maintains that he provided truthful answers about his connection to Epstein during the vetting process for the ambassadorial role. Nevertheless, Sir Keir has promised transparency by releasing documents intended to expose the extent of Mandelson’s deception about his relationship with Epstein. Materials deemed too sensitive for public disclosure will be handed over to Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee for further examination. This committee expects to receive a comprehensive set of documents, including personal exchanges involving Lord Mandelson and government officials dating back to Labour’s electoral victory, and anticipates presenting these findings to Parliament imminently.
The controversy has placed Sir Keir in a precarious position, with ongoing inquiries threatening to reveal additional damaging information regarding what officials knew about Mandelson’s ties to Epstein. Sir Keir acknowledged that while the public was aware of some connection between Lord Mandelson and Epstein, “None of us knew the depths and the darkness of that relationship.” Addressing Epstein’s victims directly, Sir Keir expressed remorse: “I am sorry, sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you. Sorry for having believed Mandelson’s lies and appointed him and sorry that even now you’re forced to watch this story unfold in public once again.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the prime minister’s position as “untenable,” while the Liberal Democrats have called for a confidence vote to gauge support within Labour ranks. Discontent among Labour MPs remains evident, with some openly critical of Sir Keir’s handling of the situation and others expressing private concerns. One MP remarked, “He’s like a wounded wildebeest: fatally wounded but determined to show how strong he is knowing full well the end is nigh.” In contrast, some MPs suggest their frustration is more directed towards Mandelson himself rather than the prime minister.
Jonathan Hinder, MP for Pendle and Clitheroe, condemned the appointment of Lord Mandelson as a “catastrophic error of political and moral judgement.” Meanwhile, Luke Sullivan, Sir Keir’s former political director, remarked on the prime minister’s struggle to maintain support, telling BBC’s Newscast, “I don’t think you can understate how serious the situation and the peril is that the prime minister finds himself in.” Baroness Harriet Harman, formerly deputy Labour leader, criticized the prime minister’s defense of Mandelson, suggesting it paints Sir Keir as “weak and naive and gullible.” She added, “I don’t think it’s inevitable that it will bring him down, but it will bring him down unless he takes the action that it’s really necessary for him to take.”
At the time of Lord Mandelson’s appointment in December 2024, his friendship with Epstein was already publicly acknowledged, despite Epstein’s conviction for soliciting sex from a minor. Reports, including one from the Financial Times in 2023, revealed emails indicating that Mandelson had stayed at Epstein’s Manhattan residence in 2009, while Epstein was incarcerated. The prime minister stated that Mandelson had been questioned on the nature of his relationship with Epstein, if he stayed at Epstein’s home post-conviction, and whether he had accepted any gifts or hospitality. Sir Keir declared, “The information now available makes clear that the answers he gave were lies. He portrayed Epstein as someone he barely knew. And when that became clear and it was not true, I sacked him.”
Lord Mandelson was dismissed last September following revelations of emails containing supportive messages he sent to Epstein after the latter pleaded guilty to sex offences. Recently, documents released by the US Department of Justice have further exposed the extent of their association, including emails suggesting Epstein made payments amounting to thousands of pounds to Mandelson and his partner. Police investigations into allegations of misconduct in public office are ongoing, sparked by emails that imply Mandelson forwarded sensitive financial information to Epstein during his tenure as business secretary amid the 2009 financial crisis. While the BBC understands that Lord Mandelson denies any criminal wrongdoing or financial motivation, he has not provided any public comment on the matter
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