UK PM Starmer Apologizes for Appointing Mandelson Amid Epstein Scandal

Starmer seeks to assuage anger over his decision to make Mandelson Britain's envoy to Washington despite his ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer launched a fierce attack on his former U.S. ambassador Peter Mandelson on Thursday, apologizing for appointing him despite Mandelson's known ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer said he was sorry for believing Mandelson's "lies" and that the "darkness" of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein was not previously known. Mandelson has now quit his position in parliament's upper chamber and is under police investigation.

Why it matters

The revelations about Mandelson's close relationship with Epstein have posed major questions about Starmer's judgement in appointing him, with some in Starmer's own Labour Party saying his position as Prime Minister is now under threat. The scandal has further damaged Starmer's already low popularity with the British public.

The details

Files released by the U.S. Justice Department last week included emails highlighting the close relationship between Mandelson and Epstein, and suggested Mandelson had leaked government documents to Epstein and that Epstein had recorded payments to Mandelson or his then-partner. Mandelson has said he does not recall receiving payments and has not commented on the allegations of leaking documents.

  • Mandelson was appointed as Britain's envoy to Washington in December 2024.
  • Mandelson quit his position in parliament's upper chamber, the House of Lords, on Tuesday over his links to Epstein.
  • The U.S. Justice Department released files last week that included the emails and allegations about Mandelson's relationship with Epstein.

The players

Keir Starmer

The current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who appointed Peter Mandelson as Britain's envoy to Washington despite Mandelson's known ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Peter Mandelson

A former government minister in the UK who was appointed as Britain's envoy to Washington by Starmer in 2024. Mandelson has now quit his position in parliament's upper chamber and is under police investigation over his relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late American sex offender whose relationship with Peter Mandelson has now been exposed, leading to Mandelson's resignation and an investigation.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister (Reuters)

“I want to say this (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.”

— Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister (Reuters)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Mandelson to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This scandal has severely damaged Prime Minister Starmer's credibility and standing, raising serious questions about his judgement in appointing Mandelson despite his known ties to the disgraced Jeffrey Epstein. The revelations have further eroded public trust in the UK government and its leadership.