Prime Minister Keir Starmer has apologised to victims of Jeffrey Epstein for appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, admitting he believed 'lies' told by the former Labour minister. In a speech in Hastings on Thursday, Starmer said he was 'angry and frustrated' over Mandelson's association with the convicted sex offender, and that he understood similar feelings among Labour MPs.
Starmer's apology comes after one of his most turbulent days in office, with his leadership under threat following revelations about Mandelson's communications with Epstein. The prime minister had intended to focus on a £5bn community investment scheme, but faced a barrage of questions about his handling of the scandal.
Labour MPs have called for Starmer's resignation or the sacking of his senior adviser Morgan McSweeney, comparing the crisis to the Chris Pincher scandal that brought down Boris Johnson. Starmer insisted the anger was directed at Mandelson, not himself, and urged unity within the party.
Deputy leader Lucy Powell said mistakes had been made but stressed the importance of learning from them. Starmer's decision to release documents related to Mandelson's appointment was delayed by police warnings about prejudicing an investigation, leading to a government U-turn after a backbench rebellion.
