UK’s Mandelson Probe Deepens as Starmer’s Premiership Falters and Trump Calls for Closure
Updated (8 articles)
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Image: NewsweekBritish ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson walks up Downing Street during a visit by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to 10 Downing Street, central London, on June 23, 2025, on the eve of the NATO Summit. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) Source Full size
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Image: NewsweekBritish ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson walks up Downing Street during a visit by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to 10 Downing Street, central London, on June 23, 2025, on the eve of the NATO Summit. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) Source Full size
Mandelson Faces US and UK Criminal Investigations The U.S. Justice Department opened a criminal probe after newly released files showed Mandelson passed market‑sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein in 2009, including details of the 2008 financial‑crisis bailouts and a proposed bankers’ bonus tax [4]. The Metropolitan Police launched a parallel misconduct‑in‑public‑office investigation, confirming the same email evidence and noting payments from Epstein totaling $75,000 plus a £10,000 osteopathy fee [5][7]. Mandelson announced he will resign from the House of Lords and quit the Labour Party, maintaining he did not act criminally and is verifying the authenticity of the payment records [6][8].
UK Government Moves to Publish Mandelson Emails On 5 February the government agreed to release material related to Mandelson’s 2024 appointment as U.S. ambassador, citing public pressure over his Epstein ties [3]. The cross‑party Intelligence and Security Committee, rather than a senior civil servant, will decide which documents can be disclosed, averting a full parliamentary vote [3]. Conservative leaders and the SNP have demanded complete transparency, warning the government may hide embarrassing material behind national‑security claims [8].
Starmer’s Leadership Threatened by Labour Revolt Labour MPs staged a revolt on 5 February after Starmer apologized to Epstein victims, threatening his premiership and exposing the fragility of his coalition [1]. Starmer had known of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein at the time of the ambassadorship but claimed ignorance of its depth, a stance now under intense scrutiny [3]. The rebellion, combined with calls to strip Prince Andrew of titles, has left Starmer’s government facing possible collapse if dissent persists [1].
DOJ Ends Epstein Review, Trump Declares Move On The Department of Justice completed its mandated review of millions of Epstein‑related documents, finding no basis for additional prosecutions and confirming that no new charges will be filed [2]. President Donald Trump, whose name appears in over 6,000 files, urged the nation to “move on,” asserting that nothing incriminating has emerged [2]. Democrats, however, are preparing subpoenas and anticipate Clinton testimony, arguing that full disclosure of co‑conspirator memos remains incomplete [2].
Sources
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1.
CNN: Epstein Fallout Threatens UK Prime Minister While Trump Remains Untouchable – Details Starmer’s premiership hanging by a thread after an MP revolt, Prince Andrew’s title removal, and Trump’s lack of legal jeopardy despite Epstein file mentions .
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BBC: Trump urges nation to move on from Epstein amid ongoing investigations – Reports DOJ’s conclusion of no new prosecutions, Trump’s “move on” plea, and upcoming House inquiry with Clinton testimonies .
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AP: UK Government to Release Emails on Peter Mandelson’s US Ambassador Appointment – Announces decision to publish Mandelson‑related documents, Starmer’s prior knowledge, and Conservative demands for full disclosure .
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CNN: Peter Mandelson’s Epstein Ties Trigger Criminal Probe and Political Crisis in Britain – Highlights U.S. criminal probe, Gordon Brown’s condemnation, and disclosed $75,000 payments from Epstein .
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5.
BBC: Met Police Launch Investigation into Peter Mandelson Over Epstein Emails – Covers Metropolitan Police’s criminal investigation, Mandelson’s resignation from the Lords, and draft legislation to remove his peerage .
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6.
AP: UK Police Launch Investigation into Peter Mandelson Over Epstein Leaks – Describes full‑scale misconduct inquiry, payment details, and Starmer’s public condemnation .
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7.
Newsweek: UK Police Launch Probe into Peter Mandelson Over Alleged Epstein‑Linked Misconduct – Reports Met police threshold met, email about a €500 billion bailout, and Mandelson’s step‑down from the Lords .
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8.
BBC: Police review misconduct claims after Mandelson‑Epstein emails released – Details Met’s assessment process, calls from SNP and Reform UK for action, and government’s note on peer‑removal limits .
Timeline
2003‑2004 – U.S. Justice Department files show Jeffrey Epstein sends three payments totalling $75,000 to accounts linked to Peter Mandelson or his partner, establishing a financial link that later fuels investigations [5][6][8].
2008 – Epstein is convicted of sex offenses involving a minor, after which Mandelson continues private contact, a fact later highlighted in the scandal’s fallout [4].
2009 – As Business Secretary, Mandelson emails Epstein details of a proposed one‑off tax on bankers’ bonuses and other market‑sensitive data, evidence that later triggers criminal probes [2][3][5][6][8].
May 2010 – Mandelson forwards an email about a €500 billion bailout hours before its public announcement, a disclosure cited in the DOJ‑released documents as potentially unlawful [6].
December 2024 – Mandelson assumes the post of UK Ambassador to the United States, despite prior concerns about his relationship with Epstein [3].
September 2025 – The UK government dismisses Mandelson as ambassador after newly released emails confirm ongoing contact with Epstein; he also resigns from the Labour Party after four decades [3][5].
2025 (early) – Prince Andrew is stripped of his royal titles and moved to Sandringham amid intense public outrage over his long‑standing friendship with Epstein [4].
2025 (late) – Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers steps back from public commitments, calling himself “deeply ashamed” after shameful Epstein emails surface [4].
Feb 1‑2 2026 – Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announces the DOJ’s review of millions of Epstein‑related documents is finished and finds no basis for new prosecutions [1].
Feb 2 2026 – Metropolitan Police Commander Ella Marriott says the Met has received multiple misconduct reports after the DOJ release and will assess whether they meet the criminal threshold [3].
Feb 3 2026 – The Metropolitan Police opens a criminal investigation into Mandelson for alleged misconduct in public office after DOJ files reveal he passed market‑sensitive data, noting the charge can carry a life sentence [6][8].
Feb 3 2026 – Reports note Mandelson has been on leave from the Lords since his ambassadorship began, apologises “unequivocally” to victims, and denies recalling any Epstein payments [3].
Feb 4 2026 – Prime Minister Keir Starmer tells his cabinet he is “appalled” by the newly released files, admits he knew of Mandelson’s Epstein ties at the time of the appointment, and says Mandelson “lied repeatedly” [6][7].
Feb 5 2026 – Mandelson announces he will resign from the House of Lords, effective that Wednesday, and also quits the Labour Party, ending his lifetime peerage [2][8].
Feb 5 2026 – The UK government agrees to publish documents on Mandelson’s 2024 ambassadorship, tasking the cross‑party Intelligence and Security Committee with deciding what can be released [7].
Feb 5 2026 – A rebellion within Labour MPs threatens Prime Minister Starmer’s premiership; he apologises to Epstein victims amid the revolt [4].
Feb 5 2026 – Former Paul Weiss chair Brad Karp resigns after 2019 email exchanges with Epstein are revealed; the firm states he “never witnessed or participated in any misconduct” [4].
Feb 5 2026 – President Donald Trump declares “time to move on,” insisting no incriminating evidence about him appears in the files, even though his name shows up over 6,000 times [1].
Feb 5‑6 2026 – The House of Representatives schedules former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to testify later in February as part of its separate Epstein inquiry [1].
Feb 5‑6 2026 – Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer questions whether all co‑conspirator memos have been released, while survivor Lisa Phillips says the DOJ violated requirements by withholding documents [1].
Nov 2026 (future) – Democrats plan to issue subpoenas for Trump and other Republicans if they win control of the House in the November elections, aiming to compel testimony in the Epstein matter [1].
Future (unspecified) – The Intelligence and Security Committee will review the released emails and decide on further disclosures, potentially shaping national‑security arguments [7].