On Thursday, the British government announced the termination of its ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, following the release of a series of emails and correspondence that illuminated his close connections to financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In an official statement, the Foreign Office emphasized, “The emails show that the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment.” This revelation has emerged as a significant embarrassment for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is already grappling with the recent resignation of his deputy, Angela Rayner, due to a tax scandal.
The timing of these revelations casts a shadow over the anticipated state visit of President Trump to Britain next week. Trump has previously expressed admiration for Mandelson and met with him at the White House just this week. The renewed scrutiny of Trump's own ties to Epstein, particularly after the release of documents by the House Oversight Committee, adds further complexity to the situation. Trump has dismissed accusations related to his association with Epstein as a political conspiracy, even denying claims of having signed an inappropriate greeting for Epstein’s 50th birthday.
The British government has taken the disclosures seriously, marking Mandelson as one of the most prominent political figures to fall victim to the Epstein scandal. An email from Mandelson to Epstein in 2008, in which he expressed sympathy over Epstein’s conviction for soliciting sex from a minor, has been highlighted by the Foreign Office. In that email, Mandelson stated, “I think the world of you and I feel hopeless and furious about what has happened,” showcasing a level of solidarity that has since rendered his position untenable.
The Foreign Office pointed out that Mandelson’s suggestion to challenge Epstein’s first conviction provided new information that warranted his immediate withdrawal as ambassador. The statement read, “In light of that, and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes, he has been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect.” Despite the fact that Mandelson’s friendship with Epstein was not a secret, government officials had believed they thoroughly vetted him prior to his appointment last December.
As pressure mounted on Prime Minister Starmer from both opposition leaders and his own Labour Party members regarding Mandelson’s controversial ties, Mandelson did not respond immediately to requests for comment. He has, however, expressed regret for his association with Epstein and sympathy for the victims. In a recent conversation with Harry Cole of The Sun tabloid, he described it as “very embarrassing” to see his past words published in a book of birthday greetings to Epstein, where he referred to Epstein as his “best pal.”
Mandelson’s political career has been long and tumultuous. He was instrumental in shaping the New Labour movement that brought Tony Blair to power in 1997. However, he faced significant challenges throughout his career, including resignations from the cabinet for failing to disclose a home loan and for allegedly trying to influence a passport application, although he was later cleared of wrongdoing in the latter case.
Upon his appointment as ambassador, Mandelson faced criticism from Trump allies due to his previous derogatory remarks about the president. Following these criticisms, Mandelson made an effort to reposition himself as a more favorable commentator on Trump, acknowledging the president's unorthodox political strategies. He noted, “The president may not follow the traditional rulebook or conventional practice... he seems to have an ironclad stomach for political risk, both at home and abroad.”
Upon arriving in Washington, Mandelson quickly integrated into social circles and became a regular presence at the White House. His involvement peaked when Trump announced a trade deal with Britain, during which Mandelson stood by the president as he spoke with Starmer, signaling that he was making significant progress in his diplomatic role before the Epstein controversy derailed his appointment.
