UK’s Starmer admits fault over Mandelson affair but remains defiant

Keir Starmer has admitted he made a mistake appointing Peter Mandelson as the UK’s envoy to Washington, as a growing political scandal puts pressure on his leadership.

The controversy centers on Mandelson’s past links to Jeffrey Epstein and revelations that he reportedly failed security vetting before taking the role. Starmer told parliament he would not have approved the appointment if he had known, blaming officials for withholding key information.

The issue has sparked calls for Starmer to resign, though senior ministers continue to back him. The government has launched a review into the vetting process, while Mandelson—who denies wrongdoing—remains under investigation, adding to political tensions ahead of upcoming elections.

Credit : CGTN