Keir Starmer has thrown his support behind Peter Mandelson after fresh revelations surfaced about the ambassador’s past friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
The row erupted after US congressional files revealed that Epstein once referred to Mandelson as his “best pal.” The documents included images and a handwritten note Mandelson contributed to Epstein’s 50th birthday book, put together by Epstein’s former partner, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is now serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking.
One page showed Mandelson posing on a balcony in swimming trunks, alongside a note that described Epstein as “my best pal” and signed off with: “Happy birthday, Jeffrey, we love you!!”
Downing Street quickly moved to defend the ambassador. Starmer’s spokesperson said Mandelson had been a “key player” in strengthening UK-US ties during Donald Trump’s presidency and stressed the prime minister retained “full confidence” in him.
Speaking to reporters, Starmer echoed that position, highlighting Mandelson’s “important role in building relations with the US” as Britain prepares for Trump’s upcoming state visit.
Health secretary Wes Streeting also backed Mandelson, while acknowledging the discomfort of the latest disclosures. “He’s been very clear that he deeply regrets ever having been introduced to Epstein,” Streeting told ITV News. “Given what we know about Epstein’s horrific crimes, no one would want to be associated with him. But we shouldn’t jump to guilt by association—the focus must remain on listening to and supporting Epstein’s victims.”
Mandelson himself has repeatedly expressed regret over his past contact with Epstein. In 2023, he told journalists he wished he had never met him, describing Epstein as a “sexual predator and paedophile.” At the same time, he lashed out at ongoing questions about their connection, accusing critics of having an “obsession” and snapping: “Frankly, you can all f… off.”
A JPMorgan Chase report released two years ago painted a picture of a “particularly close relationship” between the pair, even noting that Epstein nicknamed Mandelson “Petie.” The report suggested Mandelson once stayed at Epstein’s New York townhouse in 2009 while still serving in Gordon Brown’s government—at the same time Epstein was in prison for soliciting a minor.
The controversy adds to a long trail of questions surrounding Epstein’s ties to powerful figures. His 50th birthday book also reportedly featured contributions from Donald Trump and Bill Clinton. Both men have denied any improper connection, though the documents continue to cast a shadow.
Epstein was found dead in his jail cell in 2019 while awaiting further charges. His death—and the full extent of his network of associates—remains a source of intense public scrutiny. Photo by © European Union, 2025, Wikimedia commons.
