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The British government has been plunged into crisis following explosive revelations from newly released Jeffrey Epstein files, which have reignited scrutiny over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has now agreed to make public the vetting process used by the Labour Party when Mandelson was approved for the high-profile diplomatic role in December 2024, after disclosures revealed the extent of Mandelson’s continued relationship with the disgraced billionaire sex offender.
The latest tranche of files released by the US Department of Justice shows that Mandelson maintained contact with Epstein even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. More seriously, the documents suggest Mandelson may have received payments from Epstein and potentially shared market-sensitive information that could have financially benefited him.
Epstein died by suicide in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on further sex trafficking charges involving dozens of underage girls.
Starmer apologises to Epstein victims
On Thursday, Starmer issued a public apology to Epstein’s victims, admitting that Mandelson’s appointment should never have happened.
“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.
“I am sorry… sorry that so many people with power failed you, and sorry for having believed Mandelson’s lies.”
Starmer confirmed he was aware of Mandelson’s association with Epstein but said the diplomat had “lied repeatedly” during the vetting process.
Who is Peter Mandelson?
Mandelson, 72, is a veteran Labour politician and life peer who served under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown between 1997 and 2010. After Labour returned to power in 2024, he was appointed UK ambassador to the US and took up the post in February.
He resigned from the Labour Party this week following mounting pressure and has already stepped down as ambassador.
UK police have now launched a criminal investigation into Mandelson for suspected misconduct in public office, a charge that carries a potential life sentence.
What the new Epstein files reveal
The newly released files include over three million documents, thousands of videos and images. Among the revelations:
Bank records suggest Epstein made three payments totalling $75,000 to accounts linked to Mandelson or his partner.
In 2009, Epstein reportedly paid for Mandelson’s partner to attend an osteopathy course.
Emails show Mandelson encouraging Epstein to “fight for early release” before his 2008 sentencing.
A 2010 email from Mandelson to Epstein referenced an impending €500 billion bank bailout, approved the next day — raising concerns of leaked sensitive financial information.
Mandelson has said he does not recall receiving any payments and has questioned the authenticity of some documents.
Political fallout
The scandal has shaken confidence in Starmer’s leadership, with opposition MPs accusing him of poor judgement. Conservatives have questioned how Mandelson was approved despite longstanding public knowledge of his ties to Epstein.
Starmer has ordered an urgent civil service review of all Mandelson’s past contacts with Epstein and pledged to publish all relevant vetting material, excluding documents related to national security or the ongoing police investigation.
“This is a betrayal of trust,” Starmer said. “If I knew then what I know now, he would never have been anywhere near government.”
The unfolding scandal continues to dominate UK politics, with further revelations expected in the coming days.
