Starmer Faces Labour Pressure Over Mandelson Epstein Links

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure to dismiss Peter Mandelson from his post as the UK ambassador to Washington due to revelations about Mandelson's close ties with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Despite Mandelson sending supportive messages to Epstein during the latter’s legal troubles and allegedly brokering a business deal with him after Epstein’s conviction, Starmer has publicly expressed confidence in Mandelson, emphasizing his regret over the association. The controversy has sparked widespread condemnation from Labour MPs including Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Kim Johnson, and Ian Byrne, who call for Mandelson's resignation and an ethical investigation into his conduct. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and other opposition figures have also demanded transparency and accountability, questioning Starmer's judgment in appointing Mandelson. The scandal has intensified internal Labour party divisions and raised broader concerns about political morality and diplomacy amid sensitive UK-US relations. Calls for Mandelson to step down center on the severity of his links to Epstein and the potential damage to the government's credibility.