The prime minister has publicly condemned Peter Mandelson, accusing him of deceit by downplaying his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. “Mandelson misled us about his ties with Epstein, portraying him as little more than an acquaintance,” the prime minister asserted.

Addressing the victims of Epstein’s crimes, the prime minister expressed deep regret: “I am truly sorry for the horrors you endured, for the failures of those in power to protect you. I apologize for believing Mandelson’s misrepresentations, for appointing him, and for the distress caused by this story resurfacing publicly.”

Appointed as ambassador to the United States in 2024, Mandelson was a seasoned political figure. However, his tenure ended abruptly in September following revelations of his ongoing friendship with Epstein, even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for sex offenses against a minor.

Epstein, who faced federal charges for the sexual abuse of multiple girls, died by suicide in 2019 while in jail awaiting trial. Although the prime minister never met Epstein and has no allegations against him, he faces scrutiny over the decision to appoint Mandelson, especially as newly disclosed documents highlight the depth of Mandelson’s connection to Epstein.

Epstein died by suicide in a jail cell in 2019, while awaiting trial on US federal charges accusing him of sexually abusing dozens of girls.

Starmer never met Epstein and is not accused of any wrongdoing. But the prime minister is under intense pressure over the appointment after newly released documents revealed fresh details of Mandelson’s close relationship with Epstein.

“I was lied to,” Starmer said.

“It had been publicly known for some time that Mandelson knew Epstein, but none of us knew the depth and the darkness of that relationship.”

British police are investigating Mandelson over potential misconduct in public office. He is not accused of any sexual offenses.

Documents published last week by the US Department of Justice contain new revelations, including papers suggesting Mandelson shared sensitive government information with Epstein after the 2008 global financial crisis.

There are also scores of chatty, jokey messages pointing to a much closer relationship than Mandelson had previously disclosed.

The newly released files also suggest that in 2003 to 2004, Epstein sent three payments totaling $US75,000 ($107,000) to accounts linked to Mandelson or his partner Reinaldo Avila da Silva, now his husband.

Mandelson, 72, has been a major, and contentious, figure in the Labour Party since the 1990s.

He twice had to resign from senior posts in previous administrations because of scandals over money or ethics.

He was chosen as ambassador because his trade expertise, network of contents and mastery of the political “dark arts” were considered assets in dealing with President Donald Trump’s administration.

Critics say Mandelson’s ties with Epstein made his appointment too risky and Starmer was, at best, naive.

“I think the prime minister has shown that his judgment is questionable,” Labour lawmaker Paula Barker said.

“I think he has questions to answer. I think he has a very long way to go to rebuild trust and confidence with the public, and trust and confidence within our party.”

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