Lord Peter Mandelson faces growing calls for resignation as UK ambassador to the United States after leaked emails revealed his support for Jeffrey Epstein during the disgraced financier's legal troubles. The revelations have sparked a political crisis that threatens to overshadow the Trump administration's upcoming state visit.
Westminster politicians expressed shock at the extent of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor. A cabinet minister's jaw dropped when told about the story, highlighting the surprise within government circles.
Damaging email revelations
Bloomberg reportedly obtained over 100 emails between Mandelson and Epstein spanning 2005 to 2010. The most damaging message was sent in 2008 as Epstein prepared for jail, with Mandelson writing: "Fight for early release" and "your friends stay with you and love you."
Mandelson acknowledged to The Sun that more revelations would emerge. He told the BBC: "I relied on assurances of his innocence that turned out later to be horrendously false."
Cross-party pressure mounts
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch questioned Prime Minister Keir Starmer about whether Mandelson's position was "tenable" during Prime Minister's Questions. The Conservatives have tabled multiple parliamentary questions to establish what the government knew and when.
Labour MPs are expressing anger privately about the appointment. One Labour MP texted: "I am angry about Keir defending Mandelson today. Mandelson has to go, and it really questions Keir's judgement in my eyes."
Internal Labour opposition
Deputy leadership candidate Bell Ribeiro-Addy has publicly called for Mandelson's resignation, alongside former shadow cabinet minister Andy McDonald. The pressure comes as Mandelson is set to play a central role in Donald Trump's state visit, including a dinner at Windsor Castle.
Downing Street maintains "full confidence" in Mandelson and insists "due process" was followed before his appointment. However, the government has not provided clear answers about whether these revelations surprised them or what additional information might emerge.
Historical pattern emerges
The scandal follows a familiar pattern for Mandelson, who previously resigned from cabinet twice in the late 1990s and early 2000s over his dealings with wealthy individuals. His friendship with Epstein has been publicly known, raising questions about the government's vetting process.
Sources used: "BBC", "Mirror", "Daily Mail", "Bloomberg", "The Sun" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
