Starmer’s Mandelson gamble backfires as Epstein ties surface

Labour leader Keir Starmer’s hiring of Peter Mandelson—intended to bolster tariff strategy—becomes a liability after Epstein-era disclosures show Mandelson had ties to the financier. Starmer fired Mandelson in 2025 to quell the controversy, but Mandelson later faced a police probe for misconduct in public office and was released without charges. Starmer has apologized for believing Mandelson’s denials, as critics question his judgment and Labour’s leadership ahead of local elections.