Starmer backs Mandelson despite Epstein 'best pal' message

The Prime Minister said he has ‘confidence’ in Lord Mandelson (Niall Carson/PA) Niall Carson

Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) has expressed "confidence" in Lord Mandelson despite revelations that the British ambassador to the US described paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein as his "best pal". The Prime Minister told MPs that "due process was followed" during the appointment to the Washington post.

The controversial birthday message emerged from a 2003 "birthday book" compiled by convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. The document was published by the US House Oversight Committee following a request for materials from the Epstein estate.

Prime Minister's Questions clash

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch challenged Starmer directly during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday. She asked: "Does the Prime Minister have full confidence in Peter Mandelson?"

Starmer replied: "The ambassador has repeatedly expressed his deep regret for his association with him. He is right to do so. I have confidence in him, and he is playing an important role in the UK-US relationship."

Badenoch pressed further, asking whether Starmer knew of the "intimate relationship" when making the appointment. The Prime Minister maintained: "Full due process was followed during this appointment, as it is with all ambassadors."

Mandelson's regrets and explanation

Lord Mandelson told The Sun's Harry Cole Saves The West programme he regrets "very, very deeply indeed carrying on" his association with Epstein "for far longer than I should have done". He described his birthday message words as "very embarrassing to see and read".

When asked about continuing any relationship with Epstein after criminal charges, Mandelson did not deny maintaining contact but insisted: "It was not a business relationship." He said he "never saw the wrongdoing" or "evidence of criminal activity".

The ambassador explained he believes his sexuality may have protected him from Epstein's predatory behaviour. "Perhaps it's because I'm a gay man, perhaps when I knew him, perhaps when I was associated with him those years ago, as I did with my then partner and now husband, we never, ever saw any evidence or sign of this activity," he said.

Background on Epstein case

Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his Manhattan federal jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. The death was ruled a suicide.

Downing Street has insisted Mandelson underwent robust vetting before his ambassadorial appointment. Lord Mandelson said he expects more correspondence with Epstein to surface but maintains he is not named in the main Epstein files.

Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.