Britain’s ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, was dismissed on Thursday by Prime Minister Keir Starmer after newly unearthed emails revealed the extent of his ties to the late American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The move marks a significant setback for Starmer, who had hoped Mandelson’s political experience would help rebuild strained transatlantic relations ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned state visit next week.
Mandelson, a veteran Labour figure and close ally of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, was described in documents as having referred to Epstein as “my best pal.” Further emails showed he advised Epstein to pursue early release when the disgraced financier was sentenced in 2008 for soliciting a minor. Britain’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged the revelations as “new information” that fundamentally altered the understanding of Mandelson’s past relationship with Epstein, prompting Starmer to act.
The scandal erupted just a day after Starmer initially defended Mandelson, praising his role in trade negotiations and his strong ties with Washington. However, mounting political pressure and widespread condemnation forced a reversal. Starmer’s office later said the prime minister had taken “prompt and decisive action,” condemning Mandelson’s correspondence with Epstein as “reprehensible.” Critics within Labour, however, accused the government of mishandling the crisis and warned it would deepen public doubts about the party’s credibility.
Mandelson expressed regret, admitting he had carried on his association with Epstein “far longer than I should have,” while insisting he had been misled by a “charismatic criminal liar.” Yet his removal marks the latest controversy in a career often overshadowed by scandal. Twice forced out of cabinet under Blair, Mandelson had long faced questions over his judgment, including past associations with Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska and other controversial figures.
The episode further complicates Starmer’s leadership at a turbulent moment for Labour. With the economy faltering, tax hikes looming, and Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party climbing ahead in recent opinion polls, the dismissal of one of Starmer’s most high-profile appointees has added to perceptions of instability. For Mandelson, once regarded as one of Labour’s most formidable strategists, the Epstein scandal has ended what was arguably his final political comeback.
