Starmer ousts cabinet secretary in clear out of top team after Mandelson scandal

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a leadership crisis after his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned. McSweeney took responsibility for advising Starmer to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, despite Mandelson's connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The resignation has triggered speculation about Starmer's future, with some suggesting he may face a leadership challenge or even resign himself. The UK newspapers highlight the precarious position Starmer is in, with potential rivals within the Labour party reportedly positioning themselves. McSweeney's deputies have been appointed as acting chiefs of staff. Starmer now faces increased scrutiny and pressure from both inside and outside the Labour party.

Keir Starmer, Britain's Prime Minister, is facing a political crisis as his director of communications, Tim Allan, resigned on Monday. This follows the resignation of Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, less than 24 hours prior. McSweeney resigned after advocating for the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the U.S., due to Mandelson's previously undisclosed close ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Allan, a friend and former colleague of Mandelson, cited the need for a new team as his reason for stepping down. The controversy stems from released documents revealing a closer relationship between Mandelson and Epstein, including the sharing of confidential information. Critics are questioning Starmer's awareness of the relationship when he appointed Mandelson.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing pressure to resign following the controversy surrounding Peter Mandelson's potential appointment as ambassador to Washington due to his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Anas Sarwar, leader of the Scottish Labour Party, has called for Starmer's resignation. The controversy has led to the resignation of two senior aides, Tim Allan and Morgan McSweeney, with McSweeney taking responsibility for advising on Mandelson's appointment. Starmer addressed his staff, encouraging unity and praising McSweeney's contributions. Despite the calls for his resignation and the departures of his aides, Starmer has refused to step down and has received support from top ministers. The situation raises questions about Starmer's judgment and ability to govern.

Norwegian police have launched an investigation into diplomat Mona Juul and her husband, Terje Rød-Larsen, regarding their connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation, led by the economic crime unit Økokrim, focuses on potential "aggravated corruption" and whether Juul received benefits related to her position. This follows Juul's resignation as ambassador after reports surfaced about her children potentially inheriting millions from Epstein and her husband's meetings with him shortly before his arrest. Authorities have searched a property in Oslo as part of the inquiry. Several prominent Norwegians, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit and World Economic Forum chief Borge Brende, have also been linked to Epstein in recently released documents, prompting scrutiny and reviews.

Norwegian authorities are investigating two senior diplomats, Mona Juul and Terje Rød-Larsen, for potential corruption related to their connections with Jeffrey Epstein. Juul, recently resigned as ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, is suspected of gross corruption during her time at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Rød-Larsen, a former diplomat and president of the International Peace Institute (IPI), is being investigated for complicity in gross corruption. The investigation aims to determine if any criminal acts occurred, including whether Juul received undue benefits. The investigation was prompted by the release of Epstein files by the US Department of Justice, which revealed financial ties between Epstein and the couple. Lawyers for Juul and Rød-Larsen assert their clients are cooperating and believe the allegations are unfounded.

British police are searching properties in London and Wiltshire linked to Peter Mandelson, former UK ambassador to Washington, as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office. The investigation centers on allegations that Mandelson, 72, passed sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein approximately fifteen years ago, when he was business secretary. The searches are connected to an ongoing investigation by the Metropolitan Police's Central Specialist Crime team. Mandelson has not been arrested or charged. The investigation follows the release of emails suggesting Mandelson shared potentially market-moving information with Epstein. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has apologized for appointing Mandelson and pledged government support for the police investigation.

Keir Starmer is facing increased pressure to dismiss his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, due to the controversy surrounding Peter Mandelson's appointment. Simon Opher, a Labour MP, publicly called for McSweeney's removal, citing poor advice regarding Mandelson, whose ties to Jeffrey Epstein have recently resurfaced. The impending release of government files related to Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador is expected to intensify the scrutiny. Harriet Harman criticized Starmer's handling of the situation, deeming him "weak, naive and gullible" for considering Mandelson in the first place. The controversy stems from revelations about Mandelson's relationship with Epstein, including a reported $75,000 payment and the sharing of sensitive information. Starmer has apologized for the appointment, but calls for McSweeney's dismissal persist.

Keir Starmer, the UK's Prime Minister, faces a growing crisis due to the resurfacing of Jeffrey Epstein's connections to British figures. Despite Starmer's lack of direct involvement with Epstein, his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, a veteran Labour politician, as UK ambassador to Washington in 2024 has sparked controversy. Newly released documents revealing the extent of Mandelson's ties to Epstein have fueled criticism within the Labour Party. Starmer has since fired Mandelson and apologized to Epstein's victims, stating that Mandelson misrepresented his relationship with the deceased financier. The situation threatens Starmer's leadership and has plunged his government into turmoil.

Police are searching two properties in Camden and Wiltshire connected to Peter Mandelson as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office. The investigation focuses on claims that Mandelson, a 72-year-old former government minister, leaked market-sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein in 2009. The searches, authorized by a warrant, aim to gather evidence, including electronic devices and documents, before an expected interview with Mandelson under criminal caution. The investigation was launched after the release of new documents detailing Mandelson's close ties to Epstein, including allegations of financial transactions and information sharing during his time as business secretary. Mandelson was previously sacked as ambassador to the US due to his relationship with Epstein.

British police searched two properties connected to former ambassador Peter Mandelson on Friday, February 6, 2026, in London. The searches are part of an investigation into potential misconduct related to Mandelson's association with the late Jeffrey Epstein. According to Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart, the Met's Central Specialist Crime team is conducting the operation. The investigation aims to uncover any wrongdoing stemming from the relationship between Mandelson and Epstein. The police are currently in the process of the searches.

The British government has sent a file of material to police investigating allegations that Labour Party politician Peter Mandelson leaked sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released US Justice Department documents contain over 3 million pages of details about Mandelson's contacts with Epstein, including emails passing on political information. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed "appalled" concern over the revelations and is drawing up legislation to expel Mandelson from Parliament and remove his noble title. Mandelson served in senior government roles under previous Labour governments and was UK ambassador to Washington until he was fired in September. Police are reviewing reports of misconduct to determine if they meet the criminal threshold for investigation. The allegations have sparked a criminal inquiry into whether Mandelson's actions broke the law.

Peter Mandelson, a former UK ambassador and Labour Party figure, is resigning from the House of Lords amid renewed scrutiny of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The resignation, effective February 5, 2026, follows the release of US government documents revealing emails between Mandelson and Epstein, including potentially market-sensitive information shared during the 2008 financial crisis. These documents also suggest possible financial transactions between Epstein and Mandelson or his partner. British police are assessing the reports to determine if a criminal investigation is warranted. The released material also includes emails suggesting a friendly relationship after Epstein's 2008 conviction and an image of Mandelson with an unidentified woman.

The Metropolitan Police have launched a criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson, a former government minister, for alleged misconduct in public office. The investigation stems from recently released Epstein files that suggest Mandelson leaked confidential Downing Street emails and market-sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein after the 2008 financial crash. The investigation was prompted by reports and a referral from the UK government following the release of millions of court documents related to Epstein. Detectives are expected to interview Mandelson, request access to his devices, and take witness statements from senior Labour figures, including Gordon Brown. Mandelson has resigned from the House of Lords amid the allegations, and the Prime Minister's office has stated that he "let his country down."

In February 2026, UK police announced a review of misconduct allegations against former UK minister Peter Mandelson. This followed the release of US investigative files revealing that Mandelson, while serving as a minister, shared confidential government information with Jeffrey Epstein. The leaked information included details about asset sales, tax changes, and the Eurozone bailout plan. The Metropolitan Police initiated the review after receiving multiple reports related to alleged misconduct in public office. The investigation aims to determine if the allegations meet the criminal threshold for a formal investigation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has suggested Mandelson should no longer hold his seat in the upper house of parliament.

London police have launched a criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson, a 72-year-old former UK ambassador to the US and government minister. The investigation was initiated after the US Department of Justice released millions of court documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. According to Metropolitan Police Cmdr. Ella Marriot, the Met received "a number of reports" into alleged misconduct in public office following the DOJ document release, including a referral from the UK government. The investigation focuses on potential misconduct in public office offenses.

Peter Mandelson has resigned from the Labour Party following the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. These documents reveal Mandelson urged a bank to pressure the Labour chancellor regarding a banker tax. The Liberal Democrats and SNP are calling for Mandelson to be stripped of his peerage. Simultaneously, a new poll indicates that over half of Welsh voters who supported Labour in the 2024 general election will not vote for the party in the upcoming Senedd elections. Keir Starmer has stated he wants to see Angela Rayner back in government at the right point. The Conservative Party and SNP are also calling for an inquiry into Mandelson's appointment as ambassador, given his connections to Epstein.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is calling for Peter Mandelson to be removed from the House of Lords following new reports detailing his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson, a former UK ambassador to the US and long-time Labour Party figure, resigned from the Labour Party after the release of further documents. These documents, released by the US Justice Department, included a compromising image of Mandelson and revealed that accounts linked to him received $75,000 from Epstein. Opposition politicians are now calling for a full investigation into the matter. Mandelson has apologized for the renewed association with Epstein.

Former UK ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, resigned from the Labour Party on February 2, 2026, due to renewed scrutiny of his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson, who was previously removed from his ambassadorial post due to these associations, stated his resignation was to prevent further embarrassment to the governing Labour Party. Reports surfaced alleging Mandelson received payments from Epstein in the early 2000s, which he disputes but intends to investigate. He expressed regret for his association with Epstein and apologized to the victims. Mandelson emphasized his dedication to the Labour Party's values and believes his departure is in its best interest.

Peter Mandelson is facing a potential police investigation for allegedly leaking market-sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein during the 2008 financial crisis when he was Business Secretary. Emails from Mandelson to Epstein, revealed in newly disclosed files, contained confidential details about government efforts to address the crisis, including asset sales, banker bonuses, and a Euro bailout package. Keir Starmer has ordered an investigation by the cabinet secretary and demanded Mandelson's resignation from the House of Lords, while Gordon Brown has also requested an investigation. Several MPs and parties have reported Mandelson to the police for misconduct in public office. The Metropolitan Police has confirmed it is reviewing reports to determine if a criminal investigation is warranted.