On September 11, 2025, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer fired the UK’s ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, due to his controversial ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The decision came after newly released emails and documents revealed the extent of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein, creating a political storm for Starmer’s already struggling government.
Background on the Scandal
Peter Mandelson, a prominent figure in the Labour Party and a key political strategist, was appointed ambassador in February 2025, following Starmer’s election victory. Known as the “Prince of Darkness” for his political maneuvering, Mandelson was chosen for his trade expertise and ability to navigate complex international relations, particularly with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. However, his past association with Epstein, a disgraced financier convicted of sex crimes, came under scrutiny after U.S. lawmakers released documents on September 8, 2025.
Among these documents was a 2003 “birthday book” compiled by Epstein’s then-girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. The book included a handwritten note from Mandelson calling Epstein “my best pal” and describing their friendship fondly, including time spent at Epstein’s luxurious homes. The note, written before Epstein’s 2008 conviction, raised eyebrows due to its personal tone.
More damaging were emails published by Bloomberg and The Sun, a British tabloid, showing Mandelson’s continued support for Epstein even after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. In one email from February 2008, Mandelson advised Epstein to use strategies from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War to fight his legal battles. In another, sent in June 2008, Mandelson wrote, “I think the world of you and I feel hopeless and furious about what has happened,” urging Epstein to “fight for early release.” These emails suggested Mandelson believed Epstein’s conviction was unjust, a stance that clashed with public sentiment given Epstein’s later sex trafficking charges and death in prison in 2019.
The Fallout and Firing
The British Foreign Office announced Mandelson’s immediate withdrawal as ambassador, stating that the emails revealed a “depth and extent” of his relationship with Epstein that was not known at the time of his appointment. The office emphasized that Mandelson’s suggestion that Epstein’s 2008 conviction was wrongful was “new information” and, considering the victims of Epstein’s crimes, justified his removal.
The decision came just hours after Starmer publicly expressed “full confidence” in Mandelson during a parliamentary session on September 10, 2025. This rapid reversal has fueled criticism of Starmer’s judgment, especially since Mandelson’s ties to Epstein were already public knowledge to some extent. Opposition parties, including the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats, have demanded investigations into what Starmer knew about Mandelson’s Epstein connections before appointing him.
Mandelson’s History of Controversy
This is not the first time Mandelson has faced scandal. A veteran Labour politician, he played a key role in shaping “New Labour” under former Prime Minister Tony Blair, helping the party win a landslide election in 1997. However, his career has been marred by controversy. In 1998, he resigned as a government minister for failing to declare a loan from a wealthy colleague. In 2001, he stepped down again over allegations of influencing a passport application for a rich donor. Despite these setbacks, Mandelson served as the European Commissioner for Trade from 2004 to 2008 and returned to British politics under Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Mandelson’s nickname, “Prince of Darkness,” reflects his reputation as a cunning political operator. His appointment as ambassador was seen as a bold move by Starmer to place a seasoned politician in Washington, especially after Trump’s re-election in November 2024. Mandelson’s trade expertise helped secure a trade deal with the U.S. in May 2025, but his past with Epstein has overshadowed these achievements.
Political Impact on Starmer’s Government
The firing of Mandelson is the latest blow to Starmer’s government, which has faced multiple challenges recently. Just days earlier, on September 5, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner resigned over a tax scandal involving property purchases. With Trump set to visit the UK for a state visit hosted by King Charles III, the timing of Mandelson’s dismissal adds to the political pressure on Starmer. The visit may be awkward, as Trump himself has faced scrutiny over his own past connections to Epstein, though he has denied some allegations tied to the birthday book.
Mandelson has expressed regret over his relationship with Epstein, admitting in an interview with The Sun that he “fell for his lies” and continued their friendship longer than he should have. He described the birthday book note as “very embarrassing” and anticipated more damaging revelations. Despite his apologies, the public and political backlash was swift, leading to his exit from the ambassadorial role.
Broader Implications
The Mandelson-Epstein scandal highlights the challenges of vetting high-profile political appointments, especially when past associations with controversial figures like Epstein come to light. For Starmer, the incident raises questions about his decision-making and ability to stabilize his government amid mounting crises. As the UK prepares to host Trump, the focus on Epstein’s connections to powerful figures on both sides of the Atlantic underscores the lasting impact of the financier’s crimes.
The opposition’s call for a formal investigation may further complicate Starmer’s efforts to move past this controversy. For now, the firing of Peter Mandelson serves as a stark reminder of how past relationships can resurface to derail even the most experienced political careers.
