A political storm has intensified around UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer after sharp criticism from Conservative MP for North West Essex, Kemi Badenoch, who accused him of prioritising his own survival over national security. The UK PM has also been criticised as unfit to lead the country, with opponents arguing that the Peter Mandelson vetting controversy has cost him the moral authority to remain in power. &nbsp;In a strongly worded attack, Badenoch described the Prime Minister as being consumed by political self-preservation and renewed her call for his resignation. She also blamed officials for not knowing that Mandelson was appointed as the US ambassador despite failing a crucial security vetting. Writing for The Mail on Sunday, she said: "The hypocrisy is staggering... He is taking the public for fools." "Keir Starmer claims to be furious with officials. It is we who should be furious with him ... While he protects himself, decisions are delayed, and problems fester," She added. Kemi Badenoch’s remarks come at a critical moment, with the coming week likely to determine the political fate of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He is set to address MPs in the Commons, where he is expected to repeat that he was unaware of Peter Mandelson’s vetting status. In response to the controversy, Starmer will also need to defend his decision to dismiss Olly Robbins, the Foreign Office’s top official, following the department’s move to override the security assessment. Just a day after the Commons session, Robbins is scheduled to publicly present his side for the first time during a high-stakes foreign affairs committee meeting. Former Labour minister Graham Stringer told the MoS: "When the challenge to Sir Keir comes, I cannot say – but a challenge is inevitable. This whole affair has just shone a spotlight on the shambles at the centre of the Government where a hands-off Prime Minister has abdicated responsibility for leadership." Downing Street consistently insist that Olly alone has taken the decision quashing Mandelson's inquiry rejection, with no other person tainted by last week's shocking declaration. But the predecessor of Olly as the Foreign Office's top mandarin, Lord (Simon) McDonald, stated that he did not buy the claims of the Government. On BBC Radio 4's programme, he accused the Prime Minister of dismissing Olly as he wanted 'a scalp as quickly as possible'. The MoS has reported that as early as 2023, senior Labour shadow ministers were given a comprehensive briefing on Peter Mandelson by UK security agencies, amid concerns about his increasing influence within Keir Starmer’s circle.<h3>Mandelson’s alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein</h3>Sources within both Labour and the security establishment said the leadership team received detailed dossiers outlining Mandelson’s alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein, claims of him being targeted by Russian intelligence, and his connections with allies of Vladimir Putin. The briefings also focused on how Russian state actors were singling out British political figures, with particular scrutiny on Mandelson’s association with Epstein dating back to 2006, which was reportedly closely tracked by Russian intelligence agencies. A British security source said, "The briefings to Starmer's team were first provided in 2023, and continued into 2024. They included information on his relationship with Epstein and targeting by Russian intelligence. They pre-dated the Prime Minister's decision to appoint Mandelson. There is no way Starmer was not aware of the risks associated with the appointment." Security officials have voiced great surprise over the decision by Foreign Office authorities to override the denial of Peter Mandelson’s Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. They noted that to qualify for an ambassadorial role, he would have needed to clear three tiers of security checks, with DV being the most basic among them.According to reports, certain safeguards were introduced after the vetting process to address potential risks. These reportedly included restrictions preventing Mandelson from having unsupervised contact with former clients from his lobbying work. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats have urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to release the due diligence advice provided by the Cabinet Office regarding Mandelson’s appointment, which had flagged concerns over his past controversies. Party leader Ed Davey called for the documents to be made public before the upcoming Commons session, rather than waiting for their inclusion in the so-called “Mandelson files.” It has also emerged that the government has dismissed Conservative demands to amend the law to reclaim Mandelson’s £500,000 taxpayer-funded pension. Downing Street has not responded to allegations that Starmer had been warned about Mandelson’s associations while he was still in opposition.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-who-is-he-to-deprive-a-nation-of-its-legal-rights-pezeshkian-slams-trump-for-opposing-tehran-s-nuclear-programme-us-iran-war-1776589766989"> ‘Who is he to deprive a nation ‌of its legal rights?’: Pezeshkian slams Trump for opposing Tehran’s nuclear programme</a>

Kemi Badenoch’s remarks come at a critical moment, with the coming week likely to determine the political fate of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He is set to address MPs in the Commons, where he is expected to repeat that he was unaware of Peter Mandelson’s vetting status.

A political storm has intensified around UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer after sharp criticism from Conservative MP for North West Essex, Kemi Badenoch, who accused him of prioritising his own survival over national security. The UK PM has also been criticised as unfit to lead the country, with opponents arguing that the Peter Mandelson vetting controversy has cost him the moral authority to remain in power. In a strongly worded attack, Badenoch described the Prime Minister as being consumed by political self-preservation and renewed her call for his resignation. She also blamed officials for not knowing that Mandelson was appointed as the US ambassador despite failing a crucial security vetting. Writing for The Mail on Sunday, she said: "The hypocrisy is staggering... He is taking the public for fools." "Keir Starmer claims to be furious with officials. It is we who should be furious with him ... While he protects himself, decisions are delayed, and problems fester," She added. Kemi Badenoch’s remarks come at a critical moment, with the coming week likely to determine the political fate of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He is set to address MPs in the Commons, where he is expected to repeat that he was unaware of Peter Mandelson’s vetting status. In response to the controversy, Starmer will also need to defend his decision to dismiss Olly Robbins, the Foreign Office’s top official, following the department’s move to override the security assessment. Just a day after the Commons session, Robbins is scheduled to publicly present his side for the first time during a high-stakes foreign affairs committee meeting. Former Labour minister Graham Stringer told the MoS: "When the challenge to Sir Keir comes, I cannot say – but a challenge is inevitable. This whole affair has just shone a spotlight on the shambles at the centre of the Government where a hands-off Prime Minister has abdicated responsibility for leadership." Downing Street consistently insist that Olly alone has taken the decision quashing Mandelson's inquiry rejection, with no other person tainted by last week's shocking declaration. But the predecessor of Olly as the Foreign Office's top mandarin, Lord (Simon) McDonald, stated that he did not buy the claims of the Government. On BBC Radio 4's programme, he accused the Prime Minister of dismissing Olly as he wanted 'a scalp as quickly as possible'. The MoS has reported that as early as 2023, senior Labour shadow ministers were given a comprehensive briefing on Peter Mandelson by UK security agencies, amid concerns about his increasing influence within Keir Starmer’s circle. Mandelson’s alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein Sources within both Labour and the security establishment said the leadership team received detailed dossiers outlining Mandelson’s alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein, claims of him being targeted by Russian intelligence, and his connections with allies of Vladimir Putin. The briefings also focused on how Russian state actors were singling out British political figures, with particular scrutiny on Mandelson’s association with Epstein dating back to 2006, which was reportedly closely tracked by Russian intelligence agencies. A British security source said, "The briefings to Starmer's team were first provided in 2023, and continued into 2024. They included information on his relationship with Epstein and targeting by Russian intelligence. They pre-dated the Prime Minister's decision to appoint Mandelson. There is no way Starmer was not aware of the risks associated with the appointment." Security officials have voiced great surprise over the decision by Foreign Office authorities to override the denial of Peter Mandelson’s Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. They noted that to qualify for an ambassadorial role, he would have needed to clear three tiers of security checks, with DV being the most basic among them. According to reports, certain safeguards were introduced after the vetting process to address potential risks. These reportedly included restrictions preventing Mandelson from having unsupervised contact with former clients from his lobbying work. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats have urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to release the due diligence advice provided by the Cabinet Office regarding Mandelson’s appointment, which had flagged concerns over his past controversies. Party leader Ed Davey called for the documents to be made public before the upcoming Commons session, rather than waiting for their inclusion in the so-called “Mandelson files.” It has also emerged that the government has dismissed Conservative demands to amend the law to reclaim Mandelson’s £500,000 taxpayer-funded pension. Downing Street has not responded to allegations that Starmer had been warned about Mandelson’s associations while he was still in opposition. Also read: ‘Who is he to deprive a nation ‌of its legal rights?’: Pezeshkian slams Trump for opposing Tehran’s nuclear programme

Kemi Badenoch’s remarks come at a critical moment, with the coming week likely to determine the political fate of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He is set to address MPs in the Commons, where he is expected to repeat that he was unaware of Peter Mandelson’s vetting status.

'Unfit to run country': UK PM Starmer faces criticism over Mandelson controversy, opposition demands resignation

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing calls to resign over allegedly misleading the British Parliament when he told them "full due process" had been followed in the security vetting of Peter Mandelson, who was removed as US ambassador over revelations of his links to late convicted paedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Heads rolled on Friday (Apr 17), with the Foreign Office's top civil servant Olly Robbins sacked by Starmer. Robbins is leaving his post after his department did not inform Starmer that Mandelson had failed security vetting for the role of envoy to the US. Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper "lost confidence" in Robbins, the BBC said in a report.<h2>‘I wasn’t told': Starmer's Epstein - Mandelson scandal moment is getting worse</h2>The row erupted after a Guardian investigation reported that Mandelson's high-level security clearance did not happen before he assumed US envoy role. In the past few days, Starmer told MPs several times that the clearance did happen under due process.On Friday, Starmer appeared to go on the defensive, saying: "That I wasn’t told that Peter Mandelson had failed security vetting when he was appointed is staggering. That I wasn’t told that he had failed security vetting when I was telling Parliament that due process had been followed is unforgivable. Not only was I not told, no minister was told, and I’m absolutely furious about that."Starmer said he would go to Parliament on Monday "to set out all the relevant facts in true transparency, so Parliament has the full picture."Starmer had earlier described Mandelson’s actions as a "litany of deceit" and a betrayal of the country, while insisting he had no plans to resign.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-keir-starmer-under-fire-resignation-calls-grow-amid-security-row-1776422657133/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-keir-starmer-under-fire-resignation-calls-grow-amid-security-row-1776422657133/embed</a><h2>What is the Peter Mandelson scandal all about?</h2>The row combines three issues: Mandelson’s links to Epstein, the security clearance process for his appointment as US envoy, and whether Starmer and his government misled Parliament.Security officials denied Mandelson high-level clearance in January 2025, but he was appointed as US envoy anyway. The Foreign Office had, in fact, overruled the lack of vetting using rare powers.Mandelson’s links to the sex trafficker became clear after the US Justice Department revealed their correspondence and released photos as part of the Epstein files tranches. Worse still, it emerged that Mandelson possibly shared sensitive government information with Epstein and had financial and personal connections with him. Mandelson was later removed as US ambassador and arrested, though not charged, over alleged misconduct in public office.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/peter-mandelson-to-prince-andrew-donald-turmp-high-profile-names-who-lost-their-positions-over-jeffrey-epstein-files-1770206681627">Peter Mandelson to Prince Andrew: High-profile names who lost their positions over Epstein Files</a><h2>Political slugfest and blame game over Peter Mandelson security clearance</h2>The opposition Conservatives accused Starmer of misleading MPs and showing poor judgement, demanding that he resign if it is proven that he knowingly misled Parliament.Labour government officials and Downing Street, meanwhile, said the responsibility for vetting Mandelson lies with the Foreign Office rather than Starmer personally.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peter-mandelson-ex-british-envoy-to-us-to-step-down-from-house-of-lords-over-ties-with-jeffrey-epstein-1770132160233">Peter Mandelson, ex-British envoy to US, resigns from House of Lords over ties with Jeffrey Epstein</a><h2>It is not over for Mandelson yet</h2>Mandelson, who was essentially sacked both from the US envoy role and Labour Party membership, is still being investigated by UK police over alleged misconduct related to sharing information with Epstein. He had resigned from the House of Lords.For his part, Mandelson said he regrets his association with Epstein, describing the late financier as a deceptive and manipulative individual, but denied any wrongdoing. Neither Mandelson nor the government has publicly explained why he failed vetting, as those details remain classified.The issue touches on national security, government integrity, leadership credibility, and trust in British institutions.

UK PM Keir Starmer is facing calls to quit after claims that he misled Parliament over Peter Mandelson’s security vetting. Mandelson's links to Jeffrey Epstein are continuing to haunt Starmer, who is now saying ‘I was not told’, and has sacked a top civil servant

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing calls to resign over allegedly misleading the British Parliament when he told them "full due process" had been followed in the security vetting of Peter Mandelson, who was removed as US ambassador over revelations of his links to late convicted paedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Heads rolled on Friday (Apr 17), with the Foreign Office's top civil servant Olly Robbins sacked by Starmer. Robbins is leaving his post after his department did not inform Starmer that Mandelson had failed security vetting for the role of envoy to the US. Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper "lost confidence" in Robbins, the BBC said in a report. ‘I wasn’t told': Starmer's Epstein - Mandelson scandal moment is getting worse The row erupted after a Guardian investigation reported that Mandelson's high-level security clearance did not happen before he assumed US envoy role. In the past few days, Starmer told MPs several times that the clearance did happen under due process. On Friday, Starmer appeared to go on the defensive, saying: "That I wasn’t told that Peter Mandelson had failed security vetting when he was appointed is staggering. That I wasn’t told that he had failed security vetting when I was telling Parliament that due process had been followed is unforgivable. Not only was I not told, no minister was told, and I’m absolutely furious about that." Starmer said he would go to Parliament on Monday "to set out all the relevant facts in true transparency, so Parliament has the full picture." Starmer had earlier described Mandelson’s actions as a "litany of deceit" and a betrayal of the country, while insisting he had no plans to resign. https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-keir-starmer-under-fire-resignation-calls-grow-amid-security-row-1776422657133/embed What is the Peter Mandelson scandal all about? The row combines three issues: Mandelson’s links to Epstein, the security clearance process for his appointment as US envoy, and whether Starmer and his government misled Parliament. Security officials denied Mandelson high-level clearance in January 2025, but he was appointed as US envoy anyway. The Foreign Office had, in fact, overruled the lack of vetting using rare powers. Mandelson’s links to the sex trafficker became clear after the US Justice Department revealed their correspondence and released photos as part of the Epstein files tranches. Worse still, it emerged that Mandelson possibly shared sensitive government information with Epstein and had financial and personal connections with him. Mandelson was later removed as US ambassador and arrested, though not charged, over alleged misconduct in public office. Also read: Peter Mandelson to Prince Andrew: High-profile names who lost their positions over Epstein Files Political slugfest and blame game over Peter Mandelson security clearance The opposition Conservatives accused Starmer of misleading MPs and showing poor judgement, demanding that he resign if it is proven that he knowingly misled Parliament. Labour government officials and Downing Street, meanwhile, said the responsibility for vetting Mandelson lies with the Foreign Office rather than Starmer personally. Also read: Peter Mandelson, ex-British envoy to US, resigns from House of Lords over ties with Jeffrey Epstein It is not over for Mandelson yet Mandelson, who was essentially sacked both from the US envoy role and Labour Party membership, is still being investigated by UK police over alleged misconduct related to sharing information with Epstein. He had resigned from the House of Lords. For his part, Mandelson said he regrets his association with Epstein, describing the late financier as a deceptive and manipulative individual, but denied any wrongdoing. Neither Mandelson nor the government has publicly explained why he failed vetting, as those details remain classified. The issue touches on national security, government integrity, leadership credibility, and trust in British institutions.

UK PM Keir Starmer is facing calls to quit after claims that he misled Parliament over Peter Mandelson’s security vetting. Mandelson's links to Jeffrey Epstein are continuing to haunt Starmer, who is now saying ‘I was not told’, and has sacked a top civil servant

Epstein, Peter Mandelson and botched security clearance: UK PM Starmer sacks top Foreign Office official amid calls to resign

Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is facing a high-voltage drama, and his career is at stake over the Epstein Files' fresh revelations. His problems escalated after a top member of his party, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, called for his resignation. This was over a former ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, who was mentioned in the Jeffrey Epstein Files. As the fresh documents, released a week ago, revealed that Mandelson had strong ties with the late sex offender, Starmer is facing extreme pressure as he was the one who appointed Mandelson to his administration. The documents released by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that Mandelson had maintained a close friendship with the American sex offender, even after his conviction. Epstein was found guilty of solicitation of sex with a minor in 2008 and was jailed.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disgusting-behaviour-by-president-most-openly-racist-trump-shares-video-depicting-obamas-as-monkeys-sparks-outrage-1770392209346">‘Disgusting behaviour by President’: ‘Most openly racist’ Trump shares video depicting Obamas as monkeys, sparks outrage</a>&nbsp;The documents also revealed that Mandelson may have received payments from Epstein and passed sensitive information to him during the financial crisis of 2008 - 2009. After the revelation, Starmer admitted that he was aware of Mandelson and Epstein's close ties when he appointed the former as ambassador. But, he said, Mandelson lied about the extent of the friendship with Epstein. The issue escalated so much so that two of the key members of Starmer's circle resigned, and a third is under pressure to go. Moreover, Sarwar called for Starmer to do the same. Although, for now, a few members from his cabinet have come forward in support of Starmer.<h2>What did Sarwar say?</h2>Sarwar said there had been "many achievements" under the Labour government, but voters "can't hear them and can't see them" because "the leadership in Downing Street have become a huge distraction". He added that the announcement was "not easy and not without pain", saying that Sir Keir was a "decent man" but that his "first loyalty" was to Scotland.<h2>Support for Starmer</h2>After Sarwar's call, many cabinet ministers came out in support of Starmer, which led to the end of the coup, which never actual was there. Former deputy prime minister and a senior member of the Labour Party, Angela Rayner, said in an X post that while she did not defend Starmer’s judgement, “the worst possible response [to the scandal] would be to play party politics or factional games.”&nbsp;“I urge all my colleagues to come together, remember our values and put them into practice as a team,” she wrote on X, adding: “The PrimeMinister has my full support in leading us to that end.”<h2>'I'm not prepared to walk away'</h2>Meanwhile, Starmer told MPs that he is not prepared to walk away from his mandate. "I have had my detractors every step along the way, and I've got them now," Starmer said, adding: "Detractors that don't want a Labour government at all, and certainly not one to succeed."&nbsp;"But I'll tell you this, after having fought so hard for the chance to change our country, I'm not prepared to walk away from my mandate and my responsibility to my country, or to plunge us into chaos, as others have done," he added.

Keir Starmer faces intense pressure after Epstein Files linked his appointee Peter Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein, triggering internal Labour revolt, resignation calls, and a leadership crisis without a clear challenger.

Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is facing a high-voltage drama, and his career is at stake over the Epstein Files' fresh revelations. His problems escalated after a top member of his party, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, called for his resignation. This was over a former ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, who was mentioned in the Jeffrey Epstein Files. As the fresh documents, released a week ago, revealed that Mandelson had strong ties with the late sex offender, Starmer is facing extreme pressure as he was the one who appointed Mandelson to his administration. The documents released by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that Mandelson had maintained a close friendship with the American sex offender, even after his conviction. Epstein was found guilty of solicitation of sex with a minor in 2008 and was jailed. Also read: ‘Disgusting behaviour by President’: ‘Most openly racist’ Trump shares video depicting Obamas as monkeys, sparks outrage The documents also revealed that Mandelson may have received payments from Epstein and passed sensitive information to him during the financial crisis of 2008 - 2009. After the revelation, Starmer admitted that he was aware of Mandelson and Epstein's close ties when he appointed the former as ambassador. But, he said, Mandelson lied about the extent of the friendship with Epstein. The issue escalated so much so that two of the key members of Starmer's circle resigned, and a third is under pressure to go. Moreover, Sarwar called for Starmer to do the same. Although, for now, a few members from his cabinet have come forward in support of Starmer. What did Sarwar say? Sarwar said there had been "many achievements" under the Labour government, but voters "can't hear them and can't see them" because "the leadership in Downing Street have become a huge distraction". He added that the announcement was "not easy and not without pain", saying that Sir Keir was a "decent man" but that his "first loyalty" was to Scotland. Support for Starmer After Sarwar's call, many cabinet ministers came out in support of Starmer, which led to the end of the coup, which never actual was there. Former deputy prime minister and a senior member of the Labour Party, Angela Rayner, said in an X post that while she did not defend Starmer’s judgement, “the worst possible response [to the scandal] would be to play party politics or factional games.” “I urge all my colleagues to come together, remember our values and put them into practice as a team,” she wrote on X, adding: “The PrimeMinister has my full support in leading us to that end.” 'I'm not prepared to walk away' Meanwhile, Starmer told MPs that he is not prepared to walk away from his mandate. "I have had my detractors every step along the way, and I've got them now," Starmer said, adding: "Detractors that don't want a Labour government at all, and certainly not one to succeed." "But I'll tell you this, after having fought so hard for the chance to change our country, I'm not prepared to walk away from my mandate and my responsibility to my country, or to plunge us into chaos, as others have done," he added.

Keir Starmer faces intense pressure after Epstein Files linked his appointee Peter Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein, triggering internal Labour revolt, resignation calls, and a leadership crisis without a clear challenger.&nbsp;

The coup without a leader, and why Keir Starmer was the target | WION Explains

“I’m in a terrible situation – please stick with me,” Peter Mandelson pleaded in an email to Jeffrey Epstein — a message that has now cost him his job. Freshly uncovered correspondence shows Mandelson had a far closer, more personal bond with the disgraced financier than previously admitted. He even urged Epstein to push for early release and described him as “my best pal,” while questioning the legitimacy of his 2008 sex offence conviction. The revelations have forced Prime Minister Keir Starmer to remove Mandelson from his role as UK ambassador to the US, saying the newly surfaced evidence made his position untenable despite earlier vetting.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-disturbing-and-sickening-peter-mandelson-britain-s-ambassador-to-us-fired-over-links-with-best-pal-jeffrey-epstein-1757586482167">'Disturbing and sickening': Peter Mandelson, Britain’s ambassador to US fired over links with 'best pal' Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;In a statement issued by the UK Foreign Office, the government confirmed that Mandelson would be removed from his role as ambassador to the United States. The decision followed the emergence of newly surfaced emails written by Mandelson that shed more light on the nature of his relationship with Epstein. “These communications reveal a significantly closer connection between Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein than was understood at the time of his appointment,” the statement noted. Officials also insisted that Downing Street was unaware of the extent of this association when Mandelson was selected for the post.&nbsp;The controversy reignited after the release of a Democratic report from the House Oversight Committee in the US, which included a birthday compilation that featured a previously undisclosed letter from Mandelson. In the letter, he referred to Epstein as “my best pal,” a remark that drew sharp criticism given Epstein’s criminal record as a convicted sex offender. Additional emails reveal Mandelson offering unwavering support to Epstein, writing that he was “following you closely and here whenever you need.” In one message, Mandelson even encouraged Epstein to “remember the Art of War” while dealing with legal authorities.&nbsp;Just prior to Epstein’s sentencing—an 18-month term for soliciting a minor for prostitution—Mandelson urged him to “fight for early release.” In another email, he wrote, “I think the world of you,” a day before Epstein began serving his sentence. Facing backlash, Mandelson issued a statement on Wednesday (September 10) expressing remorse over his involvement with Epstein, admitting that he “regretted ever meeting him” and acknowledging that he maintained contact with Epstein “for much longer than was appropriate.”

Peter Mandelson sacked: UK envoy sent THIS EMAIL to late sex offender Epstein saying 'please stick with me'. Deets here

“I’m in a terrible situation – please stick with me,” Peter Mandelson pleaded in an email to Jeffrey Epstein — a message that has now cost him his job. Freshly uncovered correspondence shows Mandelson had a far closer, more personal bond with the disgraced financier than previously admitted. He even urged Epstein to push for early release and described him as “my best pal,” while questioning the legitimacy of his 2008 sex offence conviction. The revelations have forced Prime Minister Keir Starmer to remove Mandelson from his role as UK ambassador to the US, saying the newly surfaced evidence made his position untenable despite earlier vetting. Also Read: 'Disturbing and sickening': Peter Mandelson, Britain’s ambassador to US fired over links with 'best pal' Jeffrey Epstein In a statement issued by the UK Foreign Office, the government confirmed that Mandelson would be removed from his role as ambassador to the United States. The decision followed the emergence of newly surfaced emails written by Mandelson that shed more light on the nature of his relationship with Epstein. “These communications reveal a significantly closer connection between Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein than was understood at the time of his appointment,” the statement noted. Officials also insisted that Downing Street was unaware of the extent of this association when Mandelson was selected for the post. The controversy reignited after the release of a Democratic report from the House Oversight Committee in the US, which included a birthday compilation that featured a previously undisclosed letter from Mandelson. In the letter, he referred to Epstein as “my best pal,” a remark that drew sharp criticism given Epstein’s criminal record as a convicted sex offender. Additional emails reveal Mandelson offering unwavering support to Epstein, writing that he was “following you closely and here whenever you need.” In one message, Mandelson even encouraged Epstein to “remember the Art of War” while dealing with legal authorities. Just prior to Epstein’s sentencing—an 18-month term for soliciting a minor for prostitution—Mandelson urged him to “fight for early release.” In another email, he wrote, “I think the world of you,” a day before Epstein began serving his sentence. Facing backlash, Mandelson issued a statement on Wednesday (September 10) expressing remorse over his involvement with Epstein, admitting that he “regretted ever meeting him” and acknowledging that he maintained contact with Epstein “for much longer than was appropriate.”

Peter Mandelson was sacked as UK ambassador after fresh emails reveal deeper ties to Epstein, including calling him ‘best pal’ and contesting his 2008 conviction

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'Unfit to run country': UK PM Starmer faces criticism over Mandelson controversy, opposition demands resignation

Peter Mandelson scandal: UK PM Starmer sacks top official amid calls to quit

The coup without a leader, and why Keir Starmer was the target | WION Explains

Peter Mandelson sacked: UK envoy sent THIS EMAIL to Epstein saying 'please...'