April 17, 2026, 1:19 p.mApril 17, 2026, 1:19 p.m
Great Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has once again found himself in serious trouble because of the appointment of Epstein’s friend Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the USA. Just weeks before key regional and local elections in the UK, leading politicians have called for his resignation.
Great Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer.Image: keystone
It had previously emerged that political veteran Mandelson had been given the post despite failing the security check. According to the PA news agency, a government spokesman confirmed a corresponding report from the Guardian. Accordingly, the recommendation of the security authorities was overruled by the Foreign Ministry.
Top official has to take his hat off
The highest official in the British Foreign Office, Olly Robbins, had to assume direct responsibility. Prime Minister Starmer and Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper had lost trust in him, PA reported on Friday night.
Cabinet member Darren Jones rejected calls for Starmer to resign. The prime minister did not know about the decision and therefore did not mislead parliament when he assured that Mandelson’s appointment had been carried out properly, Jones told radio station LBC. In Great Britain, misleading parliament is considered a clear reason for resignation.
Peter Mandelson was a friend of Jeffrey Epstein.Image: keystone
Starmer himself expressed his anger. “I was not told that he failed the security check, no cabinet member was informed (…),” the prime minister told journalists. This is completely unacceptable, he is angry. He will present all the facts transparently in parliament on Monday.
Opposition calls for Starmer’s resignation
The right-wing populist politician Nigel Farage, whose Reform Party is ahead of the Social Democrats from Starmer’s Labor Party and the Conservatives in polls, called on the head of government to withdraw. It is not possible for an official like Robbins to make such a far-reaching decision without the knowledge of the cabinet, Farage said in an interview with radio station LBC.
Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch of the Conservatives told the BBC about Starmer: “He lied and it’s time for him to resign.”
Former economics minister and Labor Party veteran Peter Mandelson has long been considered controversial. Nevertheless, his appointment as ambassador to Washington shortly after US President Donald Trump took office was initially seen as a smart move.
Closely linked to Epstein
Mandelson was believed to be able to ensnare the fickle US president. But after the publication of documents from the abuse scandal involving the late US multimillionaire Jeffrey Epstein, he became a heavy burden.
This shows that Mandelson was much more closely linked to the sex offender Epstein than was initially known. He is also suspected of passing on confidential information to investor Epstein during his time as economics minister under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The US businessman had run an abuse ring for years and at the same time maintained close contacts with the highest circles in politics, business and science. (sda/dpa)
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