Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused to say whether he personally discussed Peter Mandelson’s past association with Jeffrey Epstein before appointing him as the UK’s ambassador to the United States, as pressure mounted in Parliament over the handling of the decision. Facing repeated questions during Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer did not confirm whether any direct conversation had taken place with Mandelson. Instead, he acknowledged the appointment had been a mistake and reiterated an apology to victims linked to Epstein.
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The issue was raised by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who challenged the prime minister over whether he had personally vetted Mandelson regarding his relationship with the convicted sex offender.
Commons confrontation
Badenoch accused Starmer of avoiding scrutiny and relying on staff rather than exercising direct oversight. She questioned how the prime minister could claim he had been misled if he had not spoken directly to Mandelson before making the appointment.
In response, Starmer said: “This was my mistake in making the appointment, and I've apologised to the victims of Epstein.” He added that the process had since been reviewed and strengthened following advice from an independent standards adviser.
However, he did not directly address whether a personal conversation with Mandelson had taken place, instead turning to criticise Badenoch over her stance on the conflict involving Iran.
Documents raise concerns
The exchange follows the release of official documents indicating that Starmer had been warned about potential “reputational risk” linked to Mandelson’s past association with Epstein.
The files, published after MPs voted to make them public, included references to a 2019 report suggesting Epstein had maintained a close relationship with Mandelson. The documents also noted claims that Mandelson had stayed at Epstein’s residence in 2009 while the financier was in custody.
Mandelson was removed from his ambassadorial role last year after further details about the relationship emerged. Starmer has previously said he was unaware of the full extent of the connection at the time of the appointment.
Questions over vetting process
Reports have suggested that Starmer did not personally question Mandelson, instead delegating inquiries to his then chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who later resigned amid the fallout.
Mandelson has denied misleading the prime minister, saying he answered written questions about his contact with Epstein “truthfully and fully” and does not recall being asked directly about the matter in person.
A spokesperson for Downing Street said after the Commons session that the correct procedures had been followed at the time and that a formal interview with the prime minister was not required under existing rules.
Political tensions persist
The row underscores ongoing political tensions over accountability and transparency in senior appointments, with opposition figures continuing to press for clarity over the vetting process.
While Starmer has accepted responsibility for what he described as an error of judgement, questions remain over how the appointment was handled and whether sufficient checks were carried out before Mandelson took up the diplomatic post.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 March 2026