Conservatives Demand Answers from Starmer over Mandelson Epstein Scandal Amid Trump Visit

Sir Keir Starmer is under intense scrutiny following the sacking of Lord Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington, due to revelations about Mandelson's supportive communications with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The Prime Minister faces accusations from the Conservative Party and opposition MPs that he and Downing Street were aware of the damaging emails earlier than publicly admitted, with calls for full disclosure about what was known and when. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and others are pushing for parliamentary action to force the release of documents related to Mandelson's appointment and Downing Street's handling of the scandal. Meanwhile, Business Secretary Peter Kyle defended Mandelson’s appointment, citing his “singular talents,” despite the risks, while reports have emerged of a heated exchange between Starmer and his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, over the handling of the crisis. The controversy threatens to overshadow US President Donald Trump's state visit to the UK, which is intended to highlight the close UK-US partnership and includes plans to sign a nuclear energy deal. Starmer also faces ongoing domestic challenges, including the fallout from Angela Rayner’s resignation and efforts to manage immigration policy.