Prime Minister Confirms Prior Knowledge of Ambassador's Epstein Links
In a dramatic session of Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Keir Starmer faced intense questioning from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch regarding his knowledge of Peter Mandelson's relationship with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Prime Minister confirmed for the first time that he was aware of Mandelson's ongoing ties with Epstein before appointing him as US ambassador.
Revelations of Deception and Betrayal
Starmer revealed that Mandelson had "lied repeatedly" to his team when questioned about his relationship with Epstein both before and during his tenure as ambassador. The Prime Minister expressed deep regret over the appointment, stating: "I regret appointing him. If I knew then what I know now, he would never been anywhere near government."
The Prime Minister went further, accusing Mandelson of having "betrayed our country" through his dealings with Epstein. He detailed how Mandelson had been removed from the list of privy councillors following agreement with the King, citing that the peer had brought the reputation of the privy council into disrepute.
Security Vetting and Ongoing Investigations
When pressed by Badenoch about whether official security vetting had mentioned Mandelson's relationship with Epstein, Starmer confirmed: "Yes, it did. As a result, various questions were put to him." However, Mandelson allegedly responded with false information throughout the process.
The revelations come as the Metropolitan Police have formally launched a criminal investigation into claims that Mandelson leaked market-sensitive information and Downing Street emails to Epstein while serving as business secretary during Gordon Brown's government. Documents from the Epstein files appear to show confidential details of internal discussions during the 2008 financial crisis were shared.
Political Fallout and Cross-Party Anger
Starmer expressed his anger at learning about the alleged information leaks during the height of the financial crisis response, stating: "To learn that there was a cabinet minister leaking sensitive information at the height of the response to the 2008 crash is beyond infuriating, and I'm as angry as the public and any member of this house."
The Prime Minister extended his thoughts to Epstein's victims and those affected by the financial crisis, saying: "Can I also say our thoughts are with all those who lost jobs, savings and livelihoods in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crash."
Document Release Dispute and Political Maneuvering
The Conservatives are seeking to force the release of official documents about Mandelson's appointment through an opposition-day debate, while the government has offered a more limited disclosure approach. Starmer emphasised his commitment to transparency while highlighting national security concerns: "I want to make sure this house sees the full documentation, so it will see for itself the extent to which, time and time again, Mandelson completely misrepresented the extent of his relationship with Epstein."
Badenoch accused the Prime Minister of using national security as "a red herring" and criticised the appointment itself as a national security issue. She also questioned Starmer's confidence in his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who was instrumental in pushing for Mandelson's Washington role. Starmer defended McSweeney as "an essential part of my team" who helped change the Labour party and win the election.
Broader Implications and Political Repercussions
The scandal has prompted furious backlash across the political spectrum, including from former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Mandelson now faces multiple investigations while the government deals with the fallout from these revelations about one of their senior appointments.
The session highlighted ongoing tensions between government and opposition over transparency and accountability, with both sides positioning themselves ahead of further revelations expected from the police investigation into Mandelson's alleged information leaks to Epstein during a critical period of economic crisis.
