Sarwar Faces 'Rewriting History' Accusations Over Mandelson Ambassador Role
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has been accused of attempting to 'rewrite history' after dramatically reversing his position on Peter Mandelson's controversial appointment as US ambassador. The political firestorm erupted during a heated session at Holyrood, where Sarwar declared Mandelson should never have even been 'considered' for the prestigious diplomatic post—a stark contradiction to his previous public support.
From 'Old Friend' to Disavowed Associate
The controversy centers on Sarwar's shifting narrative regarding his relationship with Mandelson. Just last April, the Scottish Labour leader posted a photograph on social media platform X showing himself with Mandelson at the British Ambassador's residence in Washington DC, accompanied by the caption: 'It was great to catch up with my old friend.'
However, when questioned yesterday about this description, Sarwar downplayed their connection, stating: 'I first met him back in the early 2020s, in terms of that direct knowing him. But do I regret that? He's not someone that I want to be associated with. It's not someone I want to know.'
This apparent about-face has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents. Scottish Tory deputy leader Rachael Hamilton declared: 'Anas Sarwar has tripped himself up in his desperate attempt to rewrite history on the Peter Mandelson scandal. If he really thinks Mandelson should never have been considered for the US ambassador job, what on earth was he doing calling him "my old friend" and visiting him once he was in post?'
Mandelson's Epstein Links and Subsequent Dismissal
The scandal intensified in September when material released by the US Congress revealed Mandelson had referred to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein as his 'best pal' in 2003 and had accepted travel from him. These revelations prompted Prime Minister Keir Starmer to sack Mandelson from the ambassador role.
First Minister John Swinney expressed being 'absolutely appalled' by the recent Mandelson revelations and condemned the Prime Minister for appointing 'Anas Sarwar's old friend as the ambassador.' Swinney even referenced the relationship during a discussion about Glasgow airport, highlighting the political potency of the association.
SNP MSP George Adam added: 'Anas Sarwar can try to distance himself from Peter Mandelson as much as he wants but the evidence is clear – less than a year ago the Scottish Labour leader was posing for photos with him and proudly boasting about his relationship with his "old friend."'
Sarwar's Dramatic Reversal and Demands
In a remarkable shift from his previous defense of Mandelson's appointment—where he argued it had led to 'positive outcomes' on trade and US-UK relations—Sarwar yesterday delivered a scathing condemnation.
'I'm utterly disgusted and furious by the entire situation,' Sarwar stated. 'It is abundantly clear that Peter Mandelson was not fit to be ambassador to the US. He should not even have been considered for the job. It's right he's not a member of the Labour Party. He should be stripped of his titles, and it's right he's now investigated by the police. It's an utter disgrace, and he is a shame to our nation.'
When pressed on whether Prime Minister Starmer was wrong to appoint Mandelson, Sarwar responded: 'Clearly it was a mistake to appoint him as the ambassador. Clearly a mistake to even consider him to be capable of being the ambassador to the US. What we need is full transparency and answers.'
Regarding his Washington visit to Mandelson, Sarwar explained: 'I did not know the details. Yes, I was at the ambassador's residence. I was there because he was the US ambassador. I was there talking about the trade relationship we have with the US and the important factor that has on investment, our renewables, for example, or our whisky industry.'
Political Fallout and Ongoing Investigations
The controversy continues to unfold as Mandelson now faces a police probe over apparent government leaks to Epstein. Despite the escalating scandal, Sarwar maintained that Prime Minister Starmer could remain in his position, stating: 'Yes, but we need answers, because people across the country are rightly furious, disgusted, and find this entire situation unacceptable.'
The episode has exposed significant tensions within Labour ranks and raised questions about judgment and consistency in political leadership during a period of heightened scrutiny over associations with disgraced figures.
