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Sir Keir Starmer has admitted he would "never" have appointed Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US if he had been aware of Mandelson’s links with Jeffrey Epstein. Following revelations about the Labour peer's supportive emails to the convicted paedophile, Sir Keir sacked Mandelson, stating that the peer's relationship with Epstein was far closer than he realised during the appointment process. This admission comes just a day after giving public support to Mandelson in the Commons.

 

Emails from 2008, leaked by Bloomberg, show Mandelson encouraging Epstein to "fight for early release" prior to his sentencing for crimes against minors. These emails also contain personal statements, with Mandelson expressing admiration for Epstein. Sir Keir emphasised that these communications contradict his longstanding stance on violence against women and girls, and the government’s position as well.

 

Parliament is set for an emergency debate on the appointment, as the Speaker has granted the Tories' request. Sir Keir faces criticism over his judgement, particularly regarding his lack of knowledge about these emails during the initial defence of Mandelson at Prime Minister’s Questions. This adds to the recent strain on his leadership, following Angela Rayner's resignation and another senior aide’s departure over unrelated controversies.

 

Labour MPs are increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with Starmer’s leadership and decision-making process. The Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Labour MP Dame Emily Thornberry, demands accountability over how Mandelson was appointed. Meanwhile, the Conservatives have called for the release of documents pertinent to the peer’s appointment to comprehensively understand Sir Keir's knowledge before defending Mandelson last week.

 

The scandal threatens to overshadow Sir Keir’s efforts to stabilise leadership ahead of the Labour conference and the impending visit from US President Donald Trump. Labour backbencher Richard Burgon has openly suggested that Sir Keir's leadership could be compromised if May's elections do not yield favourable results for the party.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Sir Keir Starmer sacked Peter Mandelson over Epstein links.
• Labour faces calls for accountability regarding Mandelson's appointment.
• Tories demand transparency as scandal impacts Starmer's leadership.

Related Stories

 

Starmer Under Fire Over Mandelson's Epstein Revelations

Starmer Under Fire: Mandelson’s Epstein Links Cause Uproar

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-09-16

 

 

On 9/16/2025 at 6:35 AM, webfact said:

Sir Keir Starmer has admitted he would "never" have appointed Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US if he had been aware of Mandelson’s links with Jeffrey Epstein.

 

Good trolling effort. Or a just a lying prat.

 

Just to remind everyone

 

 

 

Couldn't even turn up for yesterday's emergency debate.

 

The lack of support from the Labour MP's that did attend. Spoke volumes.

Dirty Dirty Labour.