Starmer Faces Mass Resignations? Leaked WhatsApps Reveal He Knew Epstein Risk But Appointed Mandelson

Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces potential mass resignations following the release of documents showing he was aware of Peter Mandelson's extensive links to Jeffrey Epstein when appointing him as UK ambassador to the United States.

The files, disclosed on 11 March 2026, reveal Starmer received a due diligence report in December 2024 highlighting 'general reputational risk' from Mandelson's post-conviction relationship with the paedophile financier. Despite this, Starmer proceeded with the appointment, a decision now fuelling internal Labour Party unrest and calls for his departure.

Vetting Warnings Overlooked

The vetting process for Mandelson's ambassadorship uncovered significant concerns about his ties to Epstein. A report prepared for Starmer noted that their friendship continued from 2002 through the 2000s, including after Epstein's 2008 conviction for procuring an underage girl for prostitution.

Officials flagged Mandelson's stays at Epstein's properties and financial transfers, including £56,000 ($75,000) sent to accounts linked to Mandelson and his partner in 2003-2004. Starmer's national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, later described the process as 'weirdly rushed and unusual'.

Despite these red flags, the Prime Minister approved the appointment, claiming later that Mandelson had lied repeatedly about the extent of his Epstein connections. This has led to accusations that Starmer misled Parliament.

Starmer Mandelson Epstein Leaked Communications

The scandal deepened with the release of emails and WhatsApps from the Epstein files. Documents show Mandelson, while business secretary in 2008-2010, forwarded sensitive government information to Epstein, including details on bankers' bonuses and euro bailouts.

One email had Mandelson suggesting a JP Morgan executive 'mildly threaten' the chancellor. Further revelations include Mandelson referring to Epstein's 2009 prison release as 'liberation day'. Leaked WhatsApps from Starmer's team, including those published by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, indicate discussions about the risks prior to the appointment.

Mandelson is now under Metropolitan Police investigation for misconduct in public office. He received a severance package of £75,000 ($100,095) upon sacking in September 2025, comprising £40,330 ($53,824) in lieu of notice and £34,670 ($46,271) special payment.

Mounting Political Fallout

Since the files' release, Starmer's government has seen 13 ministerial resignations, including high-profile figures like Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar publicly called for Starmer to step down, citing 'too many mistakes'.

Opposition parties, including the Conservatives, have seized on the issue, with Kemi Badenoch declaring Labour has 'lost confidence' in its leader. Trade unions and backbench MPs are adding to the pressure, warning of electoral damage ahead of May's local elections.

As one X user observed, 'On the facts as now reported, it looks like Starmer misled Parliament.'

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has personally acknowledged the error in appointing Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States, stating on 12 March 2026 during a visit to Northern Ireland that 'it was me that made the mistake' and offering a direct apology to Jeffrey Epstein's victims.

In his first comments since the 11 March release of a 147-page dossier of internal government documents, Starmer emphasised personal responsibility, saying the files merely confirmed what was known at the time of the December 2024 decision but had prompted renewed scrutiny.

As of 13 March 2026, Starmer insists he will 'never walk away' from his role, backed by cabinet ministers like Wes Streeting. However, with ongoing police probes and potential further document releases totalling up to 100,000, the Starmer Mandelson Epstein controversy shows no sign of abating. The Prime Minister's future hangs in the balance.