British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a growing crisis of authority as a scandal involving former ambassador Peter Mandelson and his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein deepens. The controversy extends beyond a simple lapse in judgement, raising questions about the judgement of Starmer’s closest advisor, Morgan McSweeney, and the inner workings of the Prime Minister’s office.
Unlike many political scandals that involve an unforeseen fall from grace, Starmer’s predicament is unique. The issues surrounding Mandelson were widely known before his appointment as ambassador to the United States. “Everyone knew about Peter Mandelson,” the report states, referencing his previous resignations from Tony Blair’s cabinet over financial improprieties and allegations of abusing his position for personal gain. His long-standing friendship with Epstein, public since at least 2019, was also well-documented.
Starmer’s attempt to distance himself by claiming Mandelson misled him about the extent of their relationship has been met with skepticism. Mandelson has a well-established reputation for political maneuvering and a flexible relationship with the truth, earning him the nickname “the Prince of Darkness.” Appointing such a figure, and then claiming to have been deceived, is seen as a weak defense.
The scandal is particularly damaging because It’s not an isolated incident, but rather the latest in a series of troubles that have eroded Starmer’s authority since his landslide victory eighteen months ago. Adding to the complexity, the affair directly implicates Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s Chief of Staff, a figure described as wielding significant influence within Downing Street.
McSweeney’s role in championing Mandelson’s appointment, despite concerns raised by senior colleagues and the British Foreign Office, has drawn intense scrutiny. The two men have a history dating back to 2001, when McSweeney, a young Irishman working in London, was hired by the Labour Party. Mandelson took McSweeney under his wing, and he quickly became known as “the new Peter Mandelson,” according to a former advisor to Tony Blair. Mandelson himself once remarked that McSweeney would “find their place in heaven.”
The appointment of Mandelson also displaced Karen Pierce, the previous ambassador to the US, who had cultivated a strong working relationship with Donald Trump, earning her the moniker “the Trump Whisperer.” The Foreign Office was reportedly content with Pierce remaining in her post, but McSweeney was insistent on installing Mandelson. McSweeney reportedly resisted initial efforts to dismiss Mandelson in September 2025 following renewed revelations about his ties to Epstein.
The rationale behind the appointment, according to sources, was a belief that Mandelson’s experience navigating the world of wealth and power would be an asset in dealing with the former US President. The logic was that someone who understood the “language of the global elite” could effectively engage with Trump’s transactional approach to diplomacy. However, the inherent risk associated with appointing someone linked to Epstein was acknowledged.
The situation reveals a pattern within Starmer’s government, one characterized by reliance on individuals who operate through proximity to power rather than direct authority. Mandelson’s own memoir, “The Third Man,” published in 2010, inadvertently illustrates this dynamic. The book, intended to solidify Mandelson’s legacy, instead exposed a career built on seeking validation from those in positions of power.
Remarkably, Mandelson even sought feedback on his memoir from Jeffrey Epstein himself. Emails released by the US Department of Justice revealed Epstein’s assessment of the book as “gossipy and defensive” and “troubling.” This detail underscores the extent of Mandelson’s entanglement with Epstein and the questionable judgement involved in his appointment.
McSweeney’s career trajectory mirrors Mandelson’s, focusing on cultivating influence through close relationships rather than holding positions of direct power. Starmer’s reliance on these individuals has now backfired, leaving him facing a scandal with potentially insurmountable consequences.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Mandelson’s appointment came at a time when Starmer’s government was already struggling to maintain momentum. The ongoing controversy has fueled speculation that Starmer’s time in Downing Street is limited, with Labour MPs and political commentators alike questioning his leadership.
The fallout from the Mandelson affair is likely to continue, with British MPs backing a plan to release files related to his appointment as ambassador. The pressure on Starmer is mounting, and the future of his government remains uncertain. , reports indicate growing concern within the Labour party regarding the Prime Minister’s position.
