Keir Starmer was already on the defensive after admitting earlier this month that he knew Peter Mandelson had remained in contact with Jeffrey Epstein following the latter’s conviction for child sex offences when he appointed him U.S. ambassador. Now, fresh footage of Mandelson’s arrest—over allegations that he sent sensitive documents to the late U.S. paedophile—has thrown the controversy back into the spotlight.
🚨 WATCH: The moment Peter Mandelson is arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office pic.twitter.com/gOKlYeWhKN
What’s more, an important parliamentary by-election is taking place in Gorton and Denton, Greater Manchester, this Thursday, February 26th. Whatever chances Labour might have had of clinging on to the seat might just have evaporated.
Even the Labour-friendly Guardian newspaper accepted on Monday that the arrest “will be an uncomfortable reminder of what critics say is one of Keir Starmer’s worst lapses of judgment in office: his decision to appoint Mandelson to Washington.”
It also came just days after the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince, again on suspicion of misconduct in public office over information in the Epstein files. This is linked to Andrew’s time as trade envoy—a position he gained while Mandelson was a key advisor to then-PM Tony Blair.
Mandelson was held by London’s Metropolitan Police for around nine hours before being released on bail pending further investigation. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Starmer seemed to bet that the resignation of his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney—Mandelson’s longtime protégé—would draw a line under the controversy. Instead, it failed to stem the mounting pressure.
The PM is also under increasing pressure to release the files relating to the vetting process for Mandelson’s appointment. Reports on Tuesday said that key details may only be made public after Starmer leaves office. It is understood that separate emails between Number 10 and Mandelson discussing his relationship with Epstein will be released in March.
Michael Curzon is a news writer for europeanconservative.com based in England’s Midlands. He is also Editor of Bournbrook Magazine, which he founded in 2019, and previously wrote for London’s Express Online. His Twitter handle is @MichaelCurzon_.
