Has Peter Mandelson destroyed Labours chances in the next Election?

By Katie Clayton

By Frederic Koberl via Unsplash

Keir Starmer has been receiving backlash from fellow MPs and other members of the public after it came out that Peter Mandelson, whom he appointed as the US ambassador in 2024, remained friends with Jeffrey Epstein after his conviction.  

Starmer claims that Mandelson “lied repeatedly” about the extent of his friendship with Epstein. 

Emails released by the US Department of Justice show that the friendship between Mandelson and Epstein continued after his conviction in 2008.  

Holly Bulson, 18, said: “It is horrific and disgusting that Mandelson was ever appointed to the position if Starmer had any idea that he was linked with Epstein.” 

It also reveals that he leaked sensitive government information when he worked as business secretary during Gordon Brown’s time in parliament to Epstein before he left initially in 2010. 

Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, has also received blame as many Labour MPs believe he pushed for the appointment of Mandelson in 2024.  

Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Conservative Party, has said she would “be amazed if he continued in his job”.  

Keir Starmer's choice to appoint Mandelson has caused serious controversy in British politics and among Scottish students alike. 

Sarah Johnson, 22, said: “Starmer's morals are just in the bin, and I don't think we can trust him.” 

Starmer is facing severe backlash from all over Britain and a decision for him to run again in the next election could be disastrous for the Labour Party.  

Olivia Martin, 19, said: “It's a disappointment from the UK government, but it's not a shock.” 

The extent of Starmer’s knowledge of the friendship between Epstein and Mandelson is unknown.  

Jordan Brown, 20, said Starmer said: “Starmer ruined his reputation. Appointing Mandelson was a huge mistake.” 

The lack of trust created by Starmer appointing him as US ambassador could be detrimental to his political career.  

Sophie Kerr, 18, said: “It's an absolute disgrace, neither of them are good people. It's disgusting.”