British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly distanced himself from former UK ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, apologising to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and accusing Mandelson of misleading him prior to his appointment to Washington.
Starmer is facing mounting pressure from Labour Party lawmakers over his decision in December 2024 to appoint Mandelson despite awareness of his past association with the late convicted sex offender. The controversy intensified following the release of new US Justice Department documents last week, which detailed the extent of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein.
The files reportedly include emails suggesting Mandelson leaked government documents, as well as records indicating Epstein made payments to Mandelson or his former partner.
Speaking in southern England on Thursday, Starmer said he was unaware of the true nature of the relationship at the time of the appointment.
“It had been publicly known for some time that Mandelson knew Epstein, but none of us understood the depth and the darkness of that relationship,” he said.
Mandelson, a former cabinet minister during Labour’s previous time in power, resigned from the House of Lords on Tuesday. He is now under police investigation for alleged misconduct in public office. While he has said he does not recall receiving any payments, he has declined to comment on the allegations contained in the leaked documents.
Questions Over Starmer’s Judgment
Although Starmer dismissed Mandelson from his post last September, the latest revelations have sparked renewed criticism of his judgment from both political opponents and members of his own party.
With opinion polls already showing low public approval for the prime minister, some Labour figures are questioning whether he can withstand the political fallout. The uncertainty has also unsettled financial markets, with government borrowing costs rising on Thursday.
In a strongly worded address, Starmer directly accused Mandelson of deception.
“I was lied to — lied to, deceit,” he said. “I understand the anger and frustration among Labour MPs, and I share it.”
Starmer also issued a direct apology to Epstein’s victims.
“I am sorry — sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people in positions of power failed you, and sorry for believing Mandelson’s lies and appointing him,” he said.
The prime minister disclosed that he intends to make public the security vetting advice he received before appointing Mandelson, but said police had advised against releasing any material that could compromise ongoing investigations.
“However frustrating that is for me personally, I will not take any step — no matter how politically tempting — that could risk justice for the victims,” he added.
The unfolding scandal has sent shockwaves through Westminster and raised fresh doubts about Starmer’s leadership at a time when his government is already grappling with waning public confidence.