Keir Starmer Faces Political Crisis After Condemning Peter Mandelson Over Epstein Ties

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer launched a blistering public attack on former U.S. ambassador Peter Mandelson, saying he was misled by “lies” before appointing him and apologising to victims of Jeffrey Epstein as pressure mounts on his leadership. The controversy has triggered a major political storm in the UK, raising serious questions about Starmer’s judgement and threatening his position within the Labour Party.

Starmer’s remarks came after newly released U.S. Justice Department files revealed the depth of Mandelson’s relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. While Mandelson’s association with Epstein had been known for years, the latest disclosures suggested a far closer and more troubling connection. The emails appeared to show Mandelson sharing sensitive UK government information with Epstein and referenced possible payments made to Mandelson or his then-partner.

The prime minister acknowledged the anger across British politics, including from Labour MPs, over Mandelson’s appointment as Britain’s ambassador to Washington in December 2024. Speaking at a public event, Starmer said he had not been aware of “the depth and the darkness” of Mandelson’s ties to Epstein and stressed that he felt personally deceived. He said Mandelson did not enter public service with the intention of serving the public good, accusing him of deceit and betrayal of trust.

Mandelson, a former senior Labour figure and member of the House of Lords, resigned earlier this week amid the backlash and is now under police investigation for alleged misconduct in public office. He has denied recalling any payments and has not commented on claims that he leaked documents, including details of potential UK asset sales and advance notice of a major EU bailout during the financial crisis.

The scandal has unsettled financial markets, with UK government borrowing costs rising as doubts grow over Starmer’s ability to weather the fallout. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey expressed shock at the allegations, noting the gravity of the apparent leaks during a critical period for the economy.

Addressing Epstein’s victims directly, Starmer issued a public apology, saying he was sorry for believing Mandelson and for the failures of those in power. While he has pledged transparency, Starmer said he must respect police requests not to release security vetting details that could compromise the investigation, even as political pressure continues to intensify.