Former Prince Andrew’s Ties to Epstein Keep Spotlight on UK Prime Minister Starmer

Newly released files reveal a deeper friendship than previously known between British politician Peter Mandelson and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The files include emails from 2009 showing Mandelson requesting to stay at Epstein's Manhattan mansion while serving as Britain's Secretary of State for Business. Epstein also offered to arrange meetings between Mandelson and JPMorgan executives. This revelation has ignited a political scandal in Britain, leading to resignations and calls for transparency regarding Prime Minister Keir Starmer's knowledge of Mandelson's ties to Epstein when he was appointed ambassador to the United States. The British government alleges Mandelson lied about the extent of his relationship with Epstein during the vetting process for the ambassador role.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned following the fallout from Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the United States. McSweeney took responsibility for advising Starmer to appoint Mandelson after newly released files revealed the extent of Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The resignation occurred after Labour members of parliament called for McSweeney's removal, blaming him for the damage caused by the appointment and subsequent revelations. Mandelson was previously sacked by Starmer in September and resigned from the Labour Party and House of Lords last week. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is reviewing an exit payment made to Mandelson after his dismissal.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a leadership crisis within the Labour Party due to revelations about the relationship between Peter Mandelson, former British ambassador to Washington, and Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer appointed Mandelson to the diplomatic post in 2024, despite knowing of his ties to Epstein. He fired Mandelson in September after emails surfaced showing their continued friendship after Epstein's 2008 conviction. Starmer is now struggling to maintain his position and has lost key staff and support from Labour legislators. He is scheduled to address Labour lawmakers to try and regain authority amidst the scandal. The controversy stems from Starmer's decision to appoint Mandelson, a figure with a history of ethical concerns.

Prosecutors in England and Wales are closely monitoring police investigations into Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson's connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Thames Valley Police is reviewing allegations that Epstein provided Andrew with a woman for sex and that Andrew shared confidential government reports with Epstein. The Metropolitan Police is investigating Mandelson for allegedly leaking Downing Street emails and market-sensitive information to Epstein during his time as business secretary. The investigations stem from documents released by the US Department of Justice. The Director of Public Prosecutions confirmed that the Crown Prosecution Service is in contact with both police forces but has not yet been asked for formal advice. Buckingham Palace has stated it will support any police investigation into Andrew.

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.

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 has apologized to victims of Jeffrey Epstein for believing Lord Mandelson's "lies" and appointing him as the UK's ambassador to the US in December 2024. The apology follows growing anger over Starmer's handling of the situation, acknowledging that while Mandelson's association with Epstein was known, the extent of their relationship was not. Starmer expressed regret for the appointment and promised to release files he claims will prove Mandelson lied about the friendship during vetting. Opposition leaders have criticized Starmer, with some calling his position "untenable" and demanding a confidence vote. The government initially planned to withhold sensitive material but was forced to release documents to Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee after pressure from Labour backbenchers.

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.

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.

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.