British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his confidence in the UK ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, amid rising criticism regarding his connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson has been under scrutiny following the release of a 50th birthday album for Epstein, compiled in 2003 and linked to figures involved in Epstein’s social circle, including former presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, as well as attorney Alan Dershowitz.
The album, which featured contributions from various prominent individuals, included a handwritten note from Mandelson in which he referred to Epstein as “my best pal.” It was compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell, a British socialite and convicted sex trafficker, and included other letters that contained sexually suggestive language. Mandelson, who began his diplomatic role earlier this year following the Labour Party’s election victory in July 2024, has acknowledged his prior association with Epstein, describing it as “very embarrassing” to revisit.
In an interview with The Sun newspaper, Mandelson stated that he felt a “tremendous sense, a profound sense of sympathy” for Epstein’s victims. He emphasized that his comments were made before Epstein faced criminal charges and denied having a business relationship with him. Epstein died by suicide in prison in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, having previously been convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Mandelson defended himself against the allegations, stating, “I never saw any evidence of criminal activity.” He suggested that his sexual orientation as a gay man and the circumstances of his social interactions may have contributed to his unawareness of Epstein’s illicit conduct, which has since come to light.
The revelations surrounding Mandelson’s past prompted Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, to question the viability of his position as ambassador. In response, Starmer reiterated his support for Mandelson, stating that the ambassador has “repeatedly expressed his deep regret” regarding his past association with Epstein. Starmer maintained that Mandelson is crucial to the UK-US relationship, particularly in the context of trade discussions.
Mandelson is a seasoned political figure, known for his controversial career, which includes resignations from Tony Blair‘s government in 1998 and 2001. He later served as a European Commissioner for Trade before re-entering British politics under Blair’s successor, Gordon Brown.
Starmer’s office defended the appointment process for Mandelson, asserting that he underwent “extensive vetting and background checks.” This endorsement comes at a challenging moment for Starmer, following the resignation of his deputy, Angela Rayner, over a tax dispute, adding to the pressure surrounding his leadership.
As Mandelson’s association with Epstein continues to attract attention, he has indicated that more potentially damaging information may surface in the weeks to come. The situation poses a significant challenge for Starmer as he navigates the political landscape and seeks to maintain public trust in his administration.
