Scottish Labour Leader Defends Prime Minister While Condemning Mandelson Appointment
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has publicly backed Prime Minister Keir Starmer to continue in his role, despite mounting pressure over the controversial consideration of Peter Mandelson for the position of US ambassador. However, Sarwar delivered a scathing assessment of the decision to even contemplate Mandelson for the prestigious diplomatic posting.
'A Shame to Our Nation'
Sarwar, who previously described Lord Mandelson as an "old friend" when the Washington DC appointment was announced, now states the former government minister represents "a shame to our nation." His comments come alongside Scottish First Minister John Swinney's assertion that recent revelations about Mandelson's connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have left the reputation of Starmer's government "in tatters."
The Prime Minister confirmed to the House of Commons on Wednesday that he was aware of the relationship between Mandelson and the paedophile financier before nominating him as the UK's ambassador to the United States. This admission has sparked significant political controversy and prompted a Metropolitan Police investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office.
Holyrood Condemnation
During First Minister's Questions at Holyrood on Thursday, John Swinney expressed profound dismay at the emerging details. "I am absolutely appalled by the revelations that have come forward in recent days about the involvement of Peter Mandelson in sharing information, at the height of the financial crisis, with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted paedophile," Swinney stated.
He emphasised that this information sharing occurred while Mandelson served as a government minister, and this background was apparently overlooked during his nomination process. "It's an absolutely atrocious set of circumstances, and appalling judgment by the Prime Minister," Swinney added, highlighting what he perceives as a catastrophic failure in political discernment.
Sarwar's Dual Position
Anas Sarwar later told journalists he shares the sense of outrage, describing himself as "utterly disgusted and furious" about the situation. "Peter Mandelson should never even have been considered to be the ambassador to the US, he never should have been the ambassador to the US," Sarwar declared unequivocally.
With Mandelson having subsequently resigned from the Labour Party following the revelations, Sarwar asserted: "It's right he's not a member of the Labour Party and he should be stripped of all his titles, and it is right he is now investigated by the police."
When questioned about whether Prime Minister Starmer could remain in office until the Holyrood election in May, despite increasing pressure over the Mandelson affair, Sarwar responded affirmatively: "Yes." This represents a clear distinction between his support for Starmer's leadership and his condemnation of the Mandelson consideration.
Betrayal Allegations
Regarding Lord Mandelson specifically, Sarwar expressed confidence in public sentiment: "People will be absolutely furious. Peter Mandelson has betrayed his country, he has betrayed the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, he has betrayed this country, and he has betrayed the party he once belonged to, and he should feel the full force of the law."
He reinforced his position with forceful language: "It is abundantly clear Peter Mandelson was not fit to be ambassador to the US, he should not even have been considered for the job. It's an utter disgrace and he is a shame to our nation."
Government Reputation Damage
Earlier, First Minister Swinney elaborated to the Press Association, stating that Sir Keir had "been shown to have demonstrated the most appalling lack of judgment in the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the United States." He suggested the relationship between Mandelson and Epstein "should have been a red flag at the time" of consideration.
"I think that demonstrates a most shocking and appalling poor judgment by the Prime Minister and, as a consequence of that, I think the reputation of the Labour Government is in tatters," Swinney concluded. "I think the issue that will haunt the Prime Minister is his appalling lack of judgment in selecting Peter Mandelson to be the UK's ambassador to the United States, and the damage that has done to the reputation of the Labour Government."
Cabinet Defence
Elsewhere in Westminster, senior UK Cabinet minister Steve Reed offered a defence of the Prime Minister and his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, asserting they remain secure in their positions. Reed claimed they were not "at fault" in the matter, having been allegedly misled by Lord Mandelson during the vetting process.
"You're only as good as the information you receive," Reed stated, shifting blame toward the vetting procedures that failed to disprove Mandelson's assertions that his relationship with the convicted sex offender "was next to nothing." This perspective suggests internal Labour assessments may focus on process failures rather than direct leadership accountability.
The developing situation continues to create significant political turbulence, with Scottish Labour figures navigating complex positions between supporting their party leader while condemning what they view as a grave error in diplomatic appointment consideration.
