Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has launched a blistering attack on former US ambassador Peter Mandelson, accusing him of betraying the country and repeatedly lying about his relationship with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. In a dramatic statement to MPs, Sir Keir expressed profound regret over appointing Lord Mandelson to the prestigious diplomatic role, stating he would never have made the appointment if he had known the full truth about their association.
Security Vetting Revelations and Royal Intervention
The Prime Minister confirmed that Mandelson's connections to Epstein were indeed noted during the official security vetting process conducted before his ambassadorial appointment. However, Sir Keir revealed that Mandelson deliberately misrepresented the true extent and nature of this relationship to authorities, providing misleading information that downplayed its significance.
In response to these revelations, Sir Keir has taken the extraordinary step of speaking directly with the King to initiate the formal removal of Lord Mandelson from the Privy Council. This ancient body of royal advisors represents one of the highest honours in British public life, making this potential removal a significant constitutional and political development.
Conservative Criticism and Political Fallout
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch swiftly criticised Sir Keir's handling of the situation, pointing out that information about Mandelson's connections to Epstein was publicly available before the appointment was made. Badenoch highlighted the apparent contradiction in Sir Keir initially giving Mandelson his full confidence despite being questioned about these very concerns during the appointment process.
The political fallout from this revelation continues to unfold in Westminster, with questions being raised about:
- The thoroughness of security vetting processes for high-level appointments
- The Prime Minister's judgement in making the original appointment
- The potential damage to diplomatic relations with the United States
- The broader implications for transparency in public appointments
This controversy represents one of the most significant challenges to Sir Keir Starmer's administration since taking office, testing both his leadership and the government's commitment to accountability in public life. The Prime Minister's forceful condemnation of Mandelson's actions marks a decisive attempt to distance himself from the growing scandal while reaffirming his government's standards for public officials.
