Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has launched a blistering attack on Lord Peter Mandelson in the House of Commons, accusing the former minister of having "betrayed our country" through his dealings with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The dramatic intervention came during a tense session of Prime Minister's Questions, where Sir Keir revealed he had taken the extraordinary step of speaking to the King about removing Lord Mandelson from the Privy Council.
Serious Allegations of Deception and Betrayal
Sir Keir told a packed chamber that Lord Mandelson had "lied repeatedly" about the nature and extent of his relationship with Epstein during the appointment process for the prestigious role of US ambassador. The Prime Minister expressed profound regret over the appointment, stating that had he been aware of the full facts at the time, Mandelson would never have been permitted anywhere near government positions.
The betrayal accusations represent some of the strongest language ever used by a sitting Prime Minister about a former cabinet colleague. Sir Keir's remarks suggest a complete breakdown in trust between the current administration and the influential Labour peer, whose political career has spanned decades and multiple high-profile roles.
Consequences for Mandelson's Position
The Prime Minister confirmed that he had personally approached the monarch regarding Lord Mandelson's continued membership of the Privy Council, the formal body of advisers to the sovereign. This ancient institution, whose members are appointed for life, represents one of the highest honours in British public life, and removal from it is an exceptionally rare occurrence.
"Mandelson betrayed our country, our Parliament and my party," Sir Keir declared during the heated exchange. "He lied repeatedly to my team when asked about his relationship with Epstein before and during his tenure as ambassador. I regret appointing him. If I knew then what I know now, he would never have been anywhere near government."
The allegations centre on claims that Lord Mandelson shared sensitive information with Epstein, whose criminal activities and network of powerful associates have been the subject of intense scrutiny following his death in prison while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Political Fallout and Wider Implications
This extraordinary development raises significant questions about vetting procedures for senior diplomatic appointments and the ongoing legacy of Epstein's connections within British political circles. The Prime Minister's decision to publicly address the matter during parliamentary questions indicates the seriousness with which the government views the allegations.
The controversy surrounding Lord Mandelson's links to Epstein has resurfaced at a sensitive political moment, potentially affecting diplomatic relations and public confidence in the appointment process for crucial overseas roles. The Prime Minister's unequivocal condemnation suggests a determination to distance his administration from figures associated with the disgraced financier.
As the political establishment absorbs these remarkable developments, attention will focus on the formal process for removing a member from the Privy Council and what further revelations might emerge about the nature of information allegedly shared between Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein during their association.
