Prime Minister Keir Starmer has apologized to victims of Jeffrey Epstein after acknowledging he was misled about the extent of former U.K. Ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson’s relationship with the convicted sex offender. The apology, delivered on Thursday at Horntye Park Sports Complex in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, came as Starmer’s premiership faces increasing scrutiny and potential political fallout.
Starmer stated he was “sorry for having believed Mandelson’s lies and appointed him,” according to reports. The admission followed the release of new documents detailing the depth of the connection between Mandelson and Epstein, prompting a crisis within the Labour Party. The Prime Minister had initially understood Mandelson to have described Epstein as someone he “barely knew.”
The situation escalated after newly released files revealed a “best pal” relationship between Mandelson and Epstein, according to reports. Starmer’s decision to appoint Mandelson as ambassador in 2024, despite knowing about the friendship at the time, has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers and members of his own party.
The controversy surrounding Epstein’s connections has already led to the downfall of Prince Andrew, formerly known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and now Peter Mandelson has been dismissed by Starmer over his links to the financier. The unfolding scandal has plunged Starmer’s center-left government into turmoil, with some within the Labour Party questioning his leadership.
Speaking from Hastings, Starmer repeatedly used the name “Mandelson” with what the BBC described as “derision,” in an attempt to demonstrate his integrity and understanding of the political challenges posed by both Reform UK and the Green Party. However, the BBC reported that many within Labour are “doomladen” and questioning whether Starmer is the party’s best prospect for the future.
The appointment of Mandelson had been intended to strengthen U.K.-U.S. Relations, with a welcome reception held at the ambassador’s residence in Washington in February 2025. However, the revelations regarding Epstein have overshadowed any diplomatic benefits.
As of February 12, 2026, no replacement for Mandelson has been named, and the Labour Party continues to grapple with the political repercussions of the scandal. The Prime Minister’s political future remains uncertain as he attempts to navigate the crisis.
