UK PM Condemns Mandelson, Apologises To Victims As Epstein Links Threaten His Leadership

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly turned on his former US ambassador Peter Mandelson on Thursday, apologising to Jeffrey Epstein’s victims and accusing Mandelson of lying to him before his appointment to Washington.

Starmer faces growing pressure from his own Labour Party lawmakers over his December 2024 decision to appoint Mandelson as Britain’s envoy to the United States, despite knowing about his connection to the late convicted sex offender.

Fresh US Justice Department files released last week revealed the depth of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein, including emails suggesting he leaked government documents and records showing Epstein made payments to Mandelson or his then-partner.

Speaking in southern England, Starmer said he had not known how close the relationship was when he made the appointment.

“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.

Mandelson, who served as a government minister when Labour last held power over 15 years ago, resigned from the House of Lords on Tuesday. Police are now investigating him for alleged misconduct in public office.

He has said he does not recall receiving payments and has not commented on the allegations in the leaked documents. He did not respond to requests for comment.

PM Faces Questions Over Judgment

Starmer fired Mandelson last September, but the new revelations have raised questions about his judgment among opponents and party members alike.

Polls show Starmer is already deeply unpopular with British voters, and some in his own party now question whether he can survive the fallout. Government borrowing costs rose Thursday as markets reacted to the political uncertainty.

Starmer used his speech to condemn Mandelson directly, accusing him of deception.

“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.”

He apologised to Epstein’s victims.

“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 said.

Naija News gathered that Starmer wants to release the security vetting advice he received when selecting Mandelson for the Washington Post, but said police asked him not to release anything that could affect their investigation.

“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 scandal has shaken Westminster and created fresh doubts about Starmer’s leadership at a time when his government already struggles with low approval ratings.