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Starmer Condemns Mandelson, Apologizes Amid Fallout from Epstein Scandal
UK PM Keir Starmer apologizes for appointing Peter Mandelson as envoy to Washington, calling him a liar amid new revelations of Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer vows justice for victims.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-05
Starmer Condemns Mandelson, Apologizes Amid Fallout from Epstein Scandal

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday delivered a fiery rebuke of his former U.S. ambassador Peter Mandelson, apologizing for having trusted him and acknowledging public outrage over his December 2024 appointment.

Mandelson, a former Labour government minister, resigned from the House of Lords on Tuesday amid a police investigation into alleged misconduct in office linked to his association with the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released U.S. Justice Department files reportedly show Mandelson had close ties to Epstein, with indications he may have leaked government documents and received payments.

“It had been publicly known for some time that Mandelson knew Epstein, but none of us knew the depth and the darkness of that relationship,” Starmer said during a speech in southern England.

Starmer sacked Mandelson last September, yet mounting criticism from MPs within his own party and across the political spectrum has intensified pressure on the Prime Minister. Polls suggest Starmer’s popularity is already under strain, and economic indicators, including rising government borrowing costs, reflect concern over political stability.

In his address, Starmer expressed personal frustration and anger. “I was lied to, lied to, deceit,” he said. “I understand the anger and frustration among Labour MPs about what has happened ... I actually share that anger and frustration, it was palpable yesterday. I'm not surprised.”

The Prime Minister also addressed Epstein’s victims directly: “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 appointing him.”

Starmer indicated he had considered releasing the security vetting advice he received when appointing Mandelson but said he was constrained by police requests to avoid prejudicing ongoing investigations. “However frustrating from my personal point of view that is—and it is—I will not take any step, however politically tempting, however popular, that risks justice for victims,” he said.

The revelations have fueled questions over Starmer’s judgment and raised speculation about the stability of his leadership, both within Labour and among the British public, as the political fallout continues.
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UKPolitics

LabourParty

KeirStarmer

EpsteinScandal

PeterMandelson
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